Verified Document

Realist Theory Of International Relations Term Paper

More precisely, the sovereignty promoted by the realists acknowledges the fact that the state has the right to accept or refuse to take part in a regime. Therefore, event the regimes promoted by institutionalism still depend on the actual will of the states. The United Nations represents a valid example in this sense. Therefore, its structure was indeed created on the basis of the idealist line of thought, giving equal representation rights to nations all over the world. However, the Security Council structure is reminiscent of the realist beliefs of the powerful ruling over the weaker ones. In this sense, while the institutional approach was used in creating the idea of a global organization that would discuss war issues and would engage in peaceful resolution of conflicts, the SC is the classical structure of the balance of power situation. This is one of the reasons for which the United Nations system worked only partially during the Cold War. While the Realist theory could not full account for the existence of the UN, institutionalism couldn't either. However, the realist perception also considers the existence of institutions, just not as essential parts of the system, whereas institutionalism does not view the maintenance of the balance of power to be an option.

The international system from the realist perspective is also considered to be an environment of elements which act in a rational manner. More precisely, in their quest for supremacy, the state follows precisely its foreign policy issues and acts accordingly. The raison d'etat guides them in their struggle for supremacy and in this...

However, the opponents of this belief argue that the international law system is particularly designed to set the boundaries of state conduct in the limits of universally accepted principles. In any situation however, the legal framework established through the various war conventions and the acts presented by the UN reflect the view of weak states rather than strong ones. Therefore, it can be argued that the legal systems established through the UN conventions are mere tools for survival. However, they are not followed all the time, and particularly by countries that are still considering the realistic approach and the desire for power.
Overall it can be concluded that there is no particular theory that could justify the precise evolution and future trends in world politics. However, the realist theory appears to be the one endowed with the most applicable theoretical paradigms that could explain the directions of foreign policy and international relations. Any other theoretical approach falls short of offering a comprehensive consideration of the events we are living today.

Bibliography

Kissinger, Henry. Diplomacy. London: Simon & Schuster, 1995.

Nye, Joseph. Understanding international conflicts: an introduction to theory and history. New York: Pearson, 2005

Russbach, Oliver. ONU contre ONU. Le droit international confisque. Paris: Edition La Decouverte, 1994

Waltz, K.. Theory of International Politics. New York: McGraw-Hill,1979.

Sources used in this document:
Bibliography

Kissinger, Henry. Diplomacy. London: Simon & Schuster, 1995.

Nye, Joseph. Understanding international conflicts: an introduction to theory and history. New York: Pearson, 2005

Russbach, Oliver. ONU contre ONU. Le droit international confisque. Paris: Edition La Decouverte, 1994

Waltz, K.. Theory of International Politics. New York: McGraw-Hill,1979.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

International Relations Theories Question Set
Words: 822 Length: 3 Document Type: Journal

.. because the self, in this logic, becomes social though acquiring and fulfilling an institutional identity" (Dunne, Kurki, and Smith 181). 6.) What does it mean to say that identities and interests are mutually constituted? One of the central premises postulated by the constructivist theory of international relations is based on the concept of mutual constitution, a term describing a coexistent social relationship between states in which agency, or the element of

International Relations There Are a
Words: 2734 Length: 8 Document Type: Essay

Instead, they would use the help of various international organizations that they had forged strong alliances with. At which point, many of the changes that the rebels were seeking were implemented. Where, they continue to remain focused on supporting those indigenous organizations that are struggling against the injustices of globalization. This has caused the rebels to offer support to similar anti-globalization causes taking place in: Cuba, Bolivia and Ecuador. In

International Relations Discuss the Origins
Words: 1380 Length: 4 Document Type: Thesis

This form of Wilsonian idealism has been somewhat tempered by a more contemporary reformulation of idealism, social constructivism. " While is has shed the normative mantle of idealism, social constructivism does emphasize that social actors act not only according to their selfish interest, as in realism…but also in response to shared values and norms. Social constructivism therefore stresses that the creation of international institutions in general and international organizations

International Relations the North Atlantic
Words: 879 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

Indeed, NATO is forced to change its attitude towards Russia as the international context is changed dramatically and challenges such as terrorism, Iran, or energy are largely influenced by the Russian state. More precisely, in terms of Iran, Russia has solid influences, as for Afghanistan. As for energy security, Russia is one of the most important players on the market and can thus influence decisively the European energetic security.

International Relations -Political Science the
Words: 3322 Length: 10 Document Type: Term Paper

S. fails to consider the inmates as war prisoners, and does not allow them to defend themselves against the charges brought, is a complete breach of the Geneva Conventions. At the same time, statements such as Donald Rumsfeld's consideration that the prisoners of Afghanistan are unlawful combatants and do not enter the category of prisoners of war is simply a means of establishing a legal niche that would allow the

International Relations Over the Last Several Decades,
Words: 4638 Length: 13 Document Type: Essay

International Relations Over the last several decades, the role of the UN has been constantly evolving. Part of the reason for this is because a host of events would underscore the need for an international institution that could address: the various global, economic and political issues facing the world community. The reason why, is because the 19th century would usher in a new era of technological innovation. This would have a

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now