Realism, idealism and neoliberalism

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POLITICAL STUDIES

POL1005S COVER SHEET

Student Name: Brian Lockyer

Student Number: LCKBRI001

Tutor: Talisa McMillan

Tut Group No: 1

Assignment No:1

Date: August 17th, 2009

Plagiarism Declaration

1.        I know that plagiarism is wrong. Plagiarism is to use another’s work and pretend that it is one’s own.

2.        I have used the Harvard convention for citation and referencing. Each contribution to, and quotation in, this essay from the work(s) of other people has been attributed, and has been cited and referenced.

3.        This essay is my own work.

4.        I have not allowed, and will not allow, anyone to copy my work with the intention of passing it off as his or her own work.

Signature ______________________________

The realm of international relations encompasses many political theories which have had varying degrees of influence on shaping the political world that we live in today. However, the two main theories that most influence the study of International Relations are Realism and Idealism, since the formation of both theories there has been a constant debate about the relevance and implementations of both theories which has therefore resulted in much conflict between the advocates of each theory. This essay will attempt to examine and contrast the theories of Realism, Idealism and neo-Realism and show how they differ and relate to each other.

Realism in all of its forms emphasizes the continuities of the human condition, particularly at international level, it can be defined as: a practical understanding and acceptance of the actual nature of the world, rather than an idealized view of it (Morgenthau, 1964:86). The actual nature of the world pertains to human nature and their viewpoints of the international political world.

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 Realists argue that on the international stage the main actor is the state and its distinctive characteristic is supreme sovereignty. The state, according to Faulks can be defined as ‘the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory’ (Faulks, 1999:20). According to Realist ideology, within this territory the state has absolute authority which is necessary in order to ensure security for the citizens of the state. This idea is rooted in the Hobbesian belief that citizens trade liberty for a guarantee of security (Donnelly, 2007:102). Realism also underlines the idea that competition is only present on ...

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