1. International Relations
Introduction to
International Relations
Realism and Liberalism
Prof. Jaechun Kim

2. BOP (Balance of Power) Theory
Realism
Liberalism
3rd level
BOP (Balance of Power) Theory
Theory of Interdependence
2nd level
Democratic Peace
1st level

3. Realism and Liberalism
They are not simple theories as in economic theory of demand and supply…
Assumptions about the world and IR…
Philosophical and fundamental…
Realism is not a unified theory, so is Liberalism…
Different strands of realism and liberalism

4. Realism A more dominant theory…. I guess…
More realists than liberalists…
According to realism, world is conflict-ridden, hence very dangerous place…
Conflict and war is ordinary…

5. Realist assumption about the “state of the nature” in IR
FUNDAMENTAL TENETS OF REALISM AND LIBERALISM
Realist assumption about the “state of the nature” in IR
   “Natural state” of IR is (permanent) state of war (among states). Why?
  Anarchy  Self-help system (arm yourself!) 
Security Dilemma  Arms Race 
Temptation of Preemptive Strike  Constant Possibility of War
War is very natural!!

6. John
Prisoner's Dilemma C D -3
-20
-10 C
Jane D
DC > CC > DD

7. Liberalist assumption about the natural state of IR
*Thucydides - Peloponnesian War : “The growth of power of the Athens and the fear this caused in Sparta made the war inevitable.”
World is a very dangerous place!! 
Liberalist assumption about the natural state of IR
 Heterogeneous state of war and peace. Why?
 Natural laws : natural rights and natural duties
cf. Hobbes, Leviathan, “war of all against all”
In IR and DR, natural laws are observed…
Introduction to International Relations

8. Realist assumption about the human nature (Classical realism)
Human nature is inherently evil
Machiavelli; Morgenthau; E.H Carr
Liberalist assumption about the human nature
Inborn nature is good or
at least human-beings can learn
Relevant “Actors” of IR
Realism – state; non-state actors simply reflect the interests of the states!
Liberalism – Non-state actors have independent impact on IR !
Introduction to International Relations

9. State as “unitary” actor?
Realism – state is a unitary actor
Liberalism – state isn’t really unitary actor… (cf. Neo-liberalists)
State as “functionally similar unit”?
Realism – state is functionally similar unit. They pursue power and security. They only differ in capabilities.
Liberalism – states are inherently different units! Can be differentiated by how they relate to individual human rights
Introduction to International Relations

10. Primacy of “National Interests”?
R – state’s interests can be distinguished from individual rights; less room for moral consideration in conducting world affairs
Machiavelli – “A wise Prince knows how to do wrong when it is necessary!” “Ends justify means!”
L – “national interests” is a dubious concept…
Primary goal of state?
R – to increase power and security
L – protection of individual autonomy and human rights
Introduction to International Relations

11. Most important variable in IR?
R – “power” or “material capabilities”
L – “idea” and “institution” is also important…
Future of IR?
R – pacific international order is impossible; int’l order not based on power and force is a sham!; the same story over and over again!
L – possibility of perpetual peace! IR is not a jungle, it is rather a garden!
Foreign policy guidelines
R – realpolitik (balance of power politics); national interests first…
Introduction to International Relations

12. L – int’l order based on BOP is dangerous; state leaders should promote liberalist ideas and institutions
3 legs of liberalism
Liberal Democracies, Liberal Economic Institutions, and International Institutions and Laws
Introduction to International Relations

13. Classical Realism vs. Neo Realism
Machiavelli; Morgenthau
More emphasis on “human nature”
States want to increase power
Neo R (or Structural Realism)
K. Waltz; J. Mearsheimer
More emphasis on the structure of International System (structural realism)!
states want to increase security
Offensive Realism vs. Defensive Realism