Theories of International Relations
Today we examine the two dominant theories
of world politics:
✔ Realism
✔ Neorealism
✔ Liberalism/ idealism
✔ Neoliberalism
International Security

What is a theory?
A theory of international relations is a set of ideas that explains
how the international system works. Unlike an ideology, a theory of
international relations is (at least in principle) backed up with
concrete evidence. The two major theories of international relations
are realism and liberalism.

The Fathers of Realism
● Thucydides, (460 – 395 b.c.)
in his History of the Peloponnesian War talks about the war between Athens and Sparta. He stated that
“The strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept what they have to accept”.
● Niccoló Machiavelli,(1469-1527):
No difference betweem foreign policy and internal policy, a harsh and dangerous place and full of
opportunities for fox and lions. (The Prince, 1513).
In “The Prince” he adviced rulers to use deceit and violence as tool against other states. Moral goals are
so dangerous, he wrote, that to act morally will bring about disanster. He also gave advice how to deal
with conflicts among nieghboring states and how to defend one's homeland.
● Thomas Hobbes, (1588-1679):
In 1651 Thomas Hobbes, in Leviathan, speaks of the state of nature being prone to what Hobbes
calls bellum omnium contra omnes or the war of all against all. (The Leviathan, 1651)

Let's start with a quote from Thomas Hobbes (1651), whom many characterize
as probably the major citidel of the modern theory we call classical realism:
"Hereby it is manifest that during the time men live without a common power to
keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war; and such a
war as is of every man against every man...To this war of every man against
every man, this also is consequent: that nothing can be unjust. The notion of
right and wrong, justice and injustice, have there no place. Where there is no
common power, there is no law; where no law, no injustice. Force and fraud are
in war the two cardinal virtues."

Definition of Realism
According to professors Kegley & Wittkopf (31), classical realism is
“a paradigm based on the premise that world politics is essentially
and unchangeably a struggle among self-interested states for
power and position under anarchy, with each competing state
pursuing its own national interests”

The Realist Worldview
State of nature: Realists argue that we live in a "state of nature", or in a world of perpetual conflict. Therefore, the violence,
chaos, death and destruction that often accompany world politics reflect the "war of all against all" that intl. anarchy directly
implies.
Anarchy of international system: It is a central assumption in realist theory, holding that anarchy is a defined condition of the
international system, and subsequently, foreign policy, is largely devoted to ensuring national survival and the pursuit of national
interests. It doesn't exist a world authority capable of regulating interactions among states.
Statism: Realists believe that nation states are the main actors in international politics, rational actors. As such it is a state-
centric theory of international relations. This contrasts with liberal international relations theories which accommodate roles for
non-state actors and international institutions. This difference is sometimes expressed by describing a realist world view as one
which sees nation states as billiard balls.
Survival: (self preservation/self interest):Realists believe that the international system is governed by anarchy, meaning that
there is no central authority.Therefore, international politics is a struggle for power amongn self-interested states.
Self -help: In the world of anarchy and state sovereignty, there is no higher authority to impose order. States must therefore
provide for their own defense and protection. Realists refer to this effort by states to defend their own interests as SELF-HELP
(usually though the acquisition of military capacity or joining alliances.)
No moral behavior: Moral behavior is very risky because it can undermine a state’s ability to protect itself.
Military power: It assumes an important role to defend State against aggression and to maintain security, to get power.

Survival by a comics

The core of classical realist theory is best
summarized in 10 assumptions:
1. People are by nature narrowly selfish and ethically flawed
2.Of all people's evil ways, none are more prevalent or dangerous than their
instinctive lust for power and their desire to dominate others (principle of
dominance)
3. The possibility of eradicating these instincts is a utopian “fantasy"
4. International politics is a struggle for power, "a war of all against all"
5. The primary objective of every state--the goal to which all other objectives
should be subordinated to--is to promote its NATIONAL INTERESTS
6.The anarchical nature of the intl system dictates that state acquire sufficient
military capabilities to deter attack by potential enemies and to exercise influence
over others.
7. Economics is less relevant to international security.
8. Allies might increase a state's ability to defend itself, but their loyalty and
reliability should never be assumed
9. States should NEVER entrust the task of self-protection to international
security organizations or international law
10. If all states seek to maximize power, stability will result by maintaining a
balance of power.

The father of Liberalism
As in classical realist theory, I will start the discussion of liberalism with a quote from one
of the founders of this paradigm, Immanuel Kant.
The perspicacious Kant's towering "Toward Perpetual Peace"(1795):
"But the homage which each state pays (at least in words) to the concept of law
proves that there is slumbering in man an even greater moral disposition to become
master of the evil principle in himself (which he cannot disclaim) and to hope for the
same from others...For these reasons there must be a league of a particular kind,
which can be called a league of peace (foedus pacificum), and which would be
distinguished from a treaty of peace (pactum pacis) by the fact that the latter
terminates only one war, while the former seeks to make an end of all wars forever."

Kant, in “The perpetual peace”, 1795, talks
about the possibility of cooperation
He gives three answers about peace and cooperation is possible
● Reciprocity: Principle of reciprocity, he thinks cooperation is possible among
states forming a world federation resembling today's UN. States could develop
the organizations and rules to facilitate cooperation.
● Peace: Principle of identity, peace depends on the international character of
governments, republics will be more peaceful than autocracies. State's
preferences are based on social interaction within the state.
● Trade: Trade promotes peace, wealth, cooperation and global well-being.

The Liberalist Worldview
Human gender is essencially good.
Not only State actors: Where realists see states as the only important actors, liberals see a world
where there are a variety of non-state actors (such as multi-national corporations, intergovernmental
organizations, and governmental organizations), that share the world stage with countries. Liberalist
worldview see international system as a cobweb where there are multiple connections and every piece is
linked to others.
International cooperation is in the interest of every State. Peace and cooperation among states can
produce absolute gains for all.
Moral behavior is an important factor in the international area.
War and violence is possible but not rational and it can be avoided.
International rules and organizations can help foster cooperation, trust, and prosperity.
Military power is not the only form of power. Economic and social power matter a great deal too.

Assumptions of Liberalism
1.Human nature is essentially "good"
2.The fundamental human concern for others' welfare makes progress possible
3.Sinful or wicked human behavior such as violence is not the product of flawed
people but of evil institutions
4. War and international anarchy are NOT inevitable
5. War is a global problem requiring collective rather than national efforts to
control it
6. Reforms must be inspired by a compassionate ethical concern for the welfare
and security of all people
7. International society must reorganize itself in order to eliminate the
institutions that make war.

Liberalism vs Realism
Liberalism is also called by realists, idealism. This theory emphatizes
international law, morality and international organizations, rather than power
alone.
They see that international system is based on a community of states with the
potencial to work together to overcome mutual problems.
Idealists were active between World War I and World War II following the
experience of Woodrow Wilson and other idealists who placed their hope in
the League of Nations in 1919.

Realism vs Liberalism
REALISM LIBERALISM
ACTOR State- centre pluralism
RESULT anarchy anarchy
CONTEXT conflict cooperation
ISSUES Military
security
welfare
MOTIVATION fear ambition
INTERN
POLICY
minimun important
ETICS minimum important
HUMAN
NATURE
selfish altruistic
INTERNATIO
NAL VIEW
Billiard balls cobweb

Realist Billiard balls vs Liberalist Cobweb

Realism vs liberalism
CHARACTERISTICS REALISM LIBERALISM
Historical context
Unity of analisis
Cold War
State as rational unity Plurity of International
actors (IOs; NGOs;sub-
state actors...)
Problem of study National security Problems derived from
human activity in highly
developed
world:commercial relations,
enviroment and energy
crisis.
Image of world Billiard balls Cobweb
(interdependence)

Neorealism or structural realism
One of the most important thinkers of neorealism is Kenneth Waltz.
In Theory of International Politics (1979) he talks about the importance
of structure of international system and its role as the primary
determinant of state behavior. Unlike traditional Realism who view
state behavior directed by itself self- interested nature, Walts argues
that structure directs state conduct. The structure of international
political system is defyning first its organizing principle which is
anarchy (no central power o central organization exists within the
international system).

Issues of neorealism
● Structural, the importance of the structure is basic to understand state behavior, not
strategy, egoism, or motivation—will determine behaviour in international relations.
● The nature of international structure is anarchy.
● Power is more than the accumulation of military resources and the ability to use it to
coerce and control other states in the system.
● International cooperation is difficult to get and to keep and it gives only relative gains.
Other important neorealists are John Mearheimer and Robert Gilpin.

Distribution of capabilities across units
Neorealists contend that there are essentially three possible systems according
to changes in the distribution of capabilities, defined by the number of great
powers within the international system.
1. A unipolar system contains only one great power (Rome, USA today)
2. A bipolar system contains two great powers (Athens vs Sparta/USA-USSR)
3. Multipolar system contains more than two great powers (WWI)
Neorealists conclude that a bipolar system is more stable (less prone to great
power war and systemic change) than a multipolar system because balancing
can only occur through internal balancing as there are no extra great powers with
which to form alliances. Because there is only internal balancing in a bipolar
system, rather than external balancing, there is less opportunity for
miscalculations and therefore less chance of great power war. That is a
simplification and a theoretical ideal

Issues of Neoliberalism
International cooperation is used for self- interests to take
advantage of another states.
There is a no central authority, that's the reason why cooperation
is possible. They talk about anarchy in international system.
States can get absolute gains with cooperation.
Distribution of economic, military, financial, diplomatic and
cultural capabilities (measured by the number of great powers
within the international system).

Complex interdependence
Keohane and Nye in Power and Interdependence explain the
complex interdependence:
Complex interdependence is based on three basic principles:
a. there are multiple channels among a variety of actors in intl.
politics.
b. Global agenda is based on multiple issues that don't have a
hierarqhy like energy, evironmental and population problems
c. Military security is not the only nor the most important issue for a
State.

Complex interdependence by comics

Neorealism vs Neoliberalism
NEOREALISM NEOLIBERALISM
Less international
cooperation
More international
cooperation
Relative gains Absolute gains
security Economic
interdependence,
globalization
Regime and
institutions can't
improve cooperation
Regime and
institutions can
improve cooperation

International Security
What is it?
International security consists of the measures taken by nations and international
organizations, such as the United Nations, to ensure mutual survival and
safety. These measures include military action and diplomatic agreements such
as treaties and conventions. International and national security are invariably
linked. International security is national security or state security in the global
arena.

Multi sum security principle
One such comprehensive definition has been proposed by Nayef
Al-Rodhan. What he calls the "Multi-sum security principle" is
based on the assumption that "in a globalized world, security can
no longer be thought of as a zero-sum involving states alone”.
Global security has 5 dimensions that includes human,
environmental, health/virus (cyber-security and human viruses),
national, ethnic/tribal conflict, transnational, transcultural security,
global security and the security of any state or culture cannot be
achieved without good governance at all levels that guarantees
security through justice for all individuals, states, and cultures.

Five dimensions of current International Security
Each of these five dimensions refers to a different set of substrates.
1. The first dimension refers to human security, a concept that makes the principle
referent object of security the individual, not the state.
2. The second dimension is environmental security and includes issues like climate
change, global warming, human viruses, and access to resources.
3. The third substrate refers to national security, defined as being linked to the state’s
monopoly over use of force in a given territory and as a substrate of security that
emphasizes the military and policing components of security.
4. The fourth component deals with transnational threats such as organized
crime, terrorism, cyber attacks, and human trafficking.
5. Finally, the integrity of diverse cultures and civilisational forms tackles the issue of
transcultural security. According to this multi-faceted security framework all five
dimensions of security need to be addressed in order to
provide just and sustainable global security.

International security and cyber
security
● What about social networking security?
● http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQAGdBecBuk
● Let's read an article about the 5 hidden danger of facebook and
discuss about it.

5 Hidden Dangers of Facebook
Over the last few years, Facebook's growth has been phenomenal. The world's no. 1 social networking site also
sometime back beat Google to become the most visited Web site in the US for an entire week at a stretch.
However, the site has also lately being receiving lot of flak for its privacy policies. An expert in online privacy
drew attention to the five dangers of sharing information on social networking site Facebook. Joan Goodchild,
senior editor of CSO (Chief Security Officer) Online, said that marketing efforts by the company often results in a
compromise on account holders' privacy.
Goodchild noted five risks of using Facebook. They are:
Risk 1: Your information is being shared with third parties
According to Facebook policy last updated on April 2010, "When you connect with an application or website it will
have access to General Information about you. The term General Information includes your and your friends'
names, profile pictures, gender, user IDs, connections, and any content shared using the Everyone privacy
setting. . The default privacy setting for certain types of information you post on Facebook is set to "everyone." .
Because it takes two to connect, your privacy settings only control who can see the connection on your profile
page. If you are uncomfortable with the connection being publicly available, you should consider removing (or not
making) the connection.
Risk 2: Privacy settings revert to a less safe default mode after each redesign
In March, private e-mail according to a Gawker report, private email addresses that many Facebook users
wanted to keep hidden were revealed publicly on a multitude of Facebook profiles. The glitch was later resolved
by Facebook.
Risk 3: Facebook ads may contain malware
Recently, a Facebook event invitation was reportedly sent
to some over 2,300 friends of Jim Breyer, Accel Partners
venture capitalist who sits on Facebook's board of
directors, asking "Would you like a Facebook phone
number?" However, the message was actually a scam and
the users who entered their passwords in response to the
message in turn sent the whole thing to their friends lists
too.
"This was a phishing scam and Jim's account appears to
have been compromised," read a statement from Facebook
as provided to venture industry news site PEHub.
Risk 4: Your friends unknowingly make you vulnerable
On May 6th, the popular social network patched a major
security bug that allowed users to snoop on their friends'
private chats, and view their pending friend requests. The
exploit forced Facebook to temporarily disable chat.
Risk 5: Scammers are create fake profiles
Earlier this week, 15 privacy and consumer protection
organizations filed a complaint with the Federal Trade
Commission, alleging that the site manipulates privacy
settings to make users' personal information available for
commercial use.
What do you think about these risks?

Summary and key
questions
● Realism/Liberalism (Cite 5 characteristics of both IR Theores)
● Neorealism/Neoliberalism (Cite 3 characteristics of both IR
Theories)
● Three answer that Kant gives to demonstrate cooperation and
peace are possible
● Example of Unipolar system; Bipolar system and Multipolar System
● Complex interdependence ( three principles)
● Two measure that can be adopted to ensure International Security
● The five dimensions of International Security