Theories of International Relations (Ints 201)

Introduction

Theories of International Relations (IR) provide systematic frameworks for understanding how states and other actors interact within the international system. They explain the causes of war and peace, cooperation and conflict, and the role of power, morality, and institutions in global politics. Two of the earliest and most influential theories are Realism and Idealism.

1. Realist (Power) Theory

Realism is an approach that explains international relations based on practical realities, historical experiences, and power dynamics. Hans J. Morgenthau, widely regarded as the father of classical realism, and Nicholas Spykman were major proponents of this theory.

Hans J. Morgenthau 

Realists argue that international politics is governed by power and national interest. The theory holds that:

1. Human beings are inherently selfish, power-seeking, and morally imperfect; their strongest drive is the desire to dominate others.

2. Because states are led by humans, international relations exist in a Hobbesian condition—an anarchical system characterized by competition and a “war of all against all.”

3. The primary obligation of every state is to pursue and protect its national interest, defined mainly in terms of power.

4. Given the absence of a central authority in the international system, states must acquire sufficient military and economic capability to deter external aggression.

5. States may form alliances to enhance security, but such alliances are temporary and should never be fully trusted due to shifting interests.

6. International organizations and international law cannot be relied upon for survival, since they lack effective enforcement power.

7. Stability in the international system can only be achieved through a balance of power, maintained by flexible and shifting alliances.

In effect, realists view the world as an anarchical system dominated by power struggle and competition. Consequently, each state must prioritize self-help, sovereignty, and national survival.

2. Idealism Theory

Idealism presents a contrasting view of international relations, emphasizing moral values, cooperation, and progress. Thinkers such as Jeremy Bentham, Mahatma Gandhi, Bertrand Russell, Henry de Saint-Simon, and to some extent Karl Marx, are associated with idealist thought.

Mahatma Gandhi

Idealists believe that:

1. Human nature is fundamentally good or altruistic, and humans are capable of cooperation and peaceful coexistence.

2. Concern for the welfare of others makes moral and political progress possible at both national and international levels.

3. War and conflict are not caused by evil individuals but by unjust institutions and defective political and economic structures.

4. War is not inevitable and can be eliminated by reforming international institutions and political arrangements.

5. Since war is an international problem, it requires collective and multilateral solutions rather than unilateral national actions.

6. The international system must be reorganized to remove institutions and practices that promote war.

7. Secret diplomacy should be replaced with open covenants openly arrived at, to promote trust and transparency.

8. Political boundaries should reflect ethnic and national identities to reduce conflict and promote self-determination.

Idealists argue that lasting world peace and stability depend on three major strategies:

A. International Institutions:

  Establishing strong international organizations to replace the anarchic balance-of-power system.

B. Legal Control of War:

  Using international law, adjudication, arbitration, and judicial settlement to manage disputes and prevent war.

C. Disarmament:

  Reducing or eliminating weapons, since arms accumulation is seen as a major cause of war and insecurity.

Basic Concepts in International Relations

Power

In politics, power plays a role similar to energy in physics and wealth in economics. Power refers to the ability of one actor to influence or control the actions, decisions, or behavior of another.

A state A is said to possess power over state B when A can:

• Make B do what it would not otherwise do, or
• Prevent B from doing what it desires to do.

In international relations, power is the overall capacity of a state—military, economic, political, and ideological—to influence other states.

Power relations exist between:

• The ruler and the ruled
• The governor and the governed
• The influencer and the influenced
• The dominant and the dominated
• The controller and the controlled
• The superior and the subordinate

Conclusion

Realism and Idealism offer contrasting but complementary explanations of international relations. While Realism emphasizes power, national interest, and survival in an anarchical system, Idealism focuses on morality, cooperation, and institutional reform as pathways to peace. Understanding these theories and the concept of power is essential for analyzing global politics, conflict, and international cooperation.