Realism and liberalism are two major frameworks used to analyze global politics. Realism emphasizes state survival, security, and power, while liberalism emphasizes cooperation, institutions, and interdependence.
This topic belongs to the common SL and HL core. The syllabus requires students to examine the use, applicability, bias, and limitations of theories, although no specific theory is prescribed for examination.
How the Frameworks Explain Global Politics
Realists view states as the principal actors in an anarchic international system, meaning there is no authority above states capable of guaranteeing their security. States therefore pursue national interests through military, economic, and political power.
For example, Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 can be analyzed through competition over security and regional influence. Finland joining NATO in 2023 and Sweden joining in 2024 also demonstrate how states seek security through alliances when they perceive threats.
Liberals argue that conflict is not inevitable. International institutions, international law, trade, democracy, and non-state actors can create cooperation because states often have shared interests.
The 2015 Paris Agreement illustrates this approach. It was adopted by 195 parties through the United Nations climate framework, showing how institutions can coordinate state action on an interdependent problem, although weak enforcement and unequal implementation reveal liberalism's limitations.
| Framework | Main explanation | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Realism | States prioritize survival, security, and relative power. | It can underestimate institutions, norms, and non-state actors. |
| Liberalism | Cooperation develops through institutions, law, trade, and shared interests. | It can overestimate institutions when powerful states reject rules. |
A common misconception is that one framework must be proven correct. Instead, theoretical perspectives are analytical tools: realism may explain security competition, while liberalism may better explain institutional cooperation.
Exam Technique
In a Paper 1 or Paper 2 response, apply each framework to a specific contemporary case and evaluate what it explains and overlooks. Link realism to power and sovereignty, and liberalism to interdependence and institutional legitimacy, before reaching a balanced judgment.
