Theoretical basis for global politics between realism and liberalism

Essay from the year 2023 in the subject Politics - Political Theory and the History of Ideas Journal, grade: B+, Monash University Melbourne, course: International Relations, language: English, abstract: This essay evaluates the two schools of thought to determine which one best explains the state of global politics. It is argued that realism is a more practical representation of the world politics than liberalism as evidenced by global power struggles, wars, isolationism, and ineffective international organizations. International relations or global politics is characterized by different schools of thought, including realism and liberalism. Basically, realist thought in global politics emphasizes the view that nation-states should pursue unitary political objectives such as power and influence to protect national interest. To realists, the world is a harsh place and application of moral standards limits leaders to do what is logically in the interest of the nation. As such, non-state actors are viewed as antagonistic to the wellbeing of the nation and should be given a wide berth. Contrastingly, liberalism advocates for international cooperation in the interest of collective benefits. Liberalists oppose the use of military power, which they claim is an outdated realist thought.