Disagreement between Neomercantilism/Realism, Liberalism, and Historical Structuralism

International Political Economy: Realism, Liberalism, and Historical Structuralism
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International Political Economy: Realism, Liberalism, and Historical Structuralism
The complex and dynamic nature of international politics has prompted different political theories to establish how international relations should be organized and pursued. Examples of such theories include realism, liberalism, and structuralism. Among these, liberalism is the most prevalent in the modern world; realism goes the farthest back in history, while structuralism features less often (compared to the other two) in international relations discussions. Each of these theories provides different world views on how international relations can be understood. However, they have focal points of disagreement that form the basis for opposition or support of each other. The current paper discusses the three world views to establish the most persuasive theory.
Realism, Liberalism, and Historical Structuralism
In international politics, the realist school of thought emphasizes the conflictual and competitive side of international relations.. The theory assumes that humans are hostages of a repetitive behavior pattern determined by human nature. For instance, it assumes that humans are competitive, desire to accumulate power, and cannot trust each other, which explains the historical wars the world has faced. Based on these assumptions, realism consists of several basic tenets. Firstly, the nation-state (state) is the leading actor in international matters. Other bodies like organizations have a role whose power is limited. Secondly, the state is a unitary actor in that the interests of the state must come first. Furthermore, realism assumes that people in power are rational decision-makers. This is because the state stands to benefit more from rational decisions than those based on morality. Thus, realism seeks to separate morality from policy formulation and political decision-making. As a result, armed conflict is justified. Lastly, realism assumes that states live in the context of anarchy; because no hierarchy protects international cooperation. Essentially, realism focuses on the centralization of political power and resources and limits the role of citizens in international affairs.
On the other hand, liberalism assumes a moralistic approach to international affairs in the sense that the right of an individual, their liberty, and property is the state's most important priority.. In contrast with realism, liberals argue that the centralization of political power and resources is a threat to the wellbeing of individuals. Therefore, liberalism advocates for intuitions that check limit, and distribute political power and resources in a democratic society. Such institutions should exist on a global scale to check the powers and activities of nations. A key aspect of liberalism is democratic peace theory. The theory assumes that democratic nations are unlikely to fight each other through military confrontation. This is because institutions like the United Nations oversee interests, there is internal restrain of power that limits military action, and democratic nations recognize each other's legitimacy as an autonomous player interested in development rather than destructive war.
Based on these assumptions, liberalism has three core aspects1. The first aspect is that an international organization should accompany international agreements and laws. These organizations are essential in creating an international system that extends beyond each state. The United Nations, for instance, addresses common goals and interests by pooling resources and provides each state with a voice or say on the international stage. The second aspect of liberalism focuses on international norms. Such norms include the rule of law, democracy, international cooperation, and human rights. Due to wide variations in culture, world views, social perceptions, and values globally.. However, since international bodies are formed based on liberalism, they are committed to liberal norms. The last aspect of liberalism is free trade and capitalism underpinned by wealthy liberal states and international organizations. This aspect is mutually beneficial because all nations benefit by committing lose when they do not commit. Essentially, liberals are confident that humans and countries can construct and maintain peaceful relations that result in the world order.
Structuralism is a school of thought that assumes that understanding human nature should begin by approaching the nature of relations among the parts that make up a society or a social phenomenon.. In international politics, structuralist argues that dominant economic structures within society significantly impact the relations among individuals and their interests, be it individual or communal. Thus, structuralism addresses the root cause of conflicts assumed to be rooted in human nature at three different levels: the individual, a nation, and the international system. The international system that lacks a sovereign power (with resources) to stop the war is particularly concerned. The link between local and international interests relies on existing finance, trade agreements, and other f...