Understanding Realism and Liberalism in International Politics

📋 Course Outline

1. Realism Concepts
2. Variants of Realism
3. Notable Realists
4. Liberal Principles
5. Liberal Variants
6. Key Liberal Theorists
7. Constructivist Ideas
8. Identity and Norms
9. Constructivist Scholars
10. Theory Comparison
11. Realism in Practice
12. Liberalism in Practice

📖 1. Realism Concepts

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Anarchy: The lack of a central authority in the international system, resulting in a self-help environment where states must rely on their own capabilities for security and survival.
• Power: The capacity of a state to influence others, often measured through military strength, economic resources, and strategic capabilities.
• National Interest: The goals and objectives that a state seeks to achieve to ensure its security, sovereignty, and prosperity, typically prioritized over other considerations.
• Security Dilemma: A situation where actions by one state to increase its security (e.g., military buildup) cause insecurity in others, leading to an arms race or conflict.
• Balance of Power: A distribution of power among states that prevents any one state from dominating the international system, promoting stability.
• Self-Help: The principle that states cannot rely on others for security and must therefore prioritize their own defense and interests.

📝 Essential Points