The Difference Between Realism And Liberalism

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The answer to the question is not as binary as the question suggests it to be, the international system is actually governed by both anarchy and cooperation. To be more specific, the international system is governed by anarchy but within the anarchy, there is law and cooperation. This is clear when you look at both realist and liberal theories, as they actually have a lot more in common than they seem to. Classical theorists study the international system as a system governed by anarchy. Thomas Hobbes, a classical theorist, notably said: “life in the state of nature is nasty, brutish, and short”. Realists believe the anarchy is the result of the absence of an overarching authority in the international system. Liberals, however, believe the …show more content…

Thus, Sociological liberals look at non-state actors to promote cooperation among states. The best illustration of these international connections is John Burton’s cobweb model of transnational relationships, as Jackson and Sorenson explain: “… individuals are members of many different groups, conflict will be muted if not eliminated; overlapping memberships minimize the risk of serious conflict between any two groups” (103-104). These non-state actors create layers of economic interdependence, and in theory allow no space for conflict. It is these political relationships that create stability within the anarchy. Furthermore, international trade mitigates the negative possibilities of anarchy. Institutional liberalists believe the solution to the anarchic international system is the creation of international liberal institutions. These sorts of institutions (ex. NATO, WTO, etc.) make international relationships more transparent and create trust between states. International liberal institutions act as a sort of overarching authority, but they do not have the legitimacy to enforce any power onto a state, nor can it really punish

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