INTRODUCTION
International politics is a dynamic field of study which studies the interaction and relationship between different nations which is decided by different factors. For this purpose many various thermos are put forward of which two are mentioned below.
There are two main approaches to the study of international politics: Realism and Idealism.
IDEALISTIC THEORY :-
emphasizes the role of norms, values, and cooperation in shaping international relations. Idealists believe that international institutions, such as the United Nations, can play a role in promoting peace and stability by encouraging cooperation and dialogue between states. Idealists see the international system as having the potential to be a community of nations that work together to address common problems and promote shared values.
THESE ARE SOME OF THE KEY IDEAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE IDEALIST APPROACH TO INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
- MAN IS NOT SELFISH BY NATURE : Idealists believe that individuals and states are not inherently selfish and that cooperation and cooperation are possible. They believe that people and nations can be motivated by values and principles, and that the international system can be shaped to reflect these values.
- DEMOCRACY IS THE SOLUTION TO PEACE : Idealists argue that democratic states are more likely to act cooperatively and less likely to engage in conflict. They believe that promoting democracy and human rights around the world is essential for creating a more peaceful international system.
- WARS LEAD TO DESTRUCTION : Idealists view war as a destructive force that causes widespread suffering and undermines international stability. They believe that diplomacy and cooperation are the best ways to resolve conflicts between nations.
- STATES ARE RATIONAL ACTORS : Idealists believe that states are rational actors that can be influenced by international norms and institutions. They argue that cooperation between states can help to promote stability and security in the international system.
- ESTABLISHMENT OF A WORLD GOVERNMENT : Idealists believe that the creation of a world government would help to address global problems, such as poverty, environmental degradation, and conflict, by giving the international community a centralized decision-making body. They believe that a world government could help to create a more peaceful and stable international system by reducing the number of conflicts between nations.
REALISTIC THEORY :-
Realism is a perspective in international politics that emphasizes the role of power, national interests, and self-help in shaping international relations. Realists believe that the international system is inherently anarchic and that states are the primary actors in international politics. According to realists, states act in their own self-interest, seeking to maximize their power and security in an environment where there is no central authority to enforce rules or regulate behavior.
THESE ARE SOME OF THE KEY IDEAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REALIST APPROACH TO INTERNATIONAL POLITICS.
- CONFLICTS ARE INEVITABLE : Realists believe that conflicts are an inevitable part of international relations, as states seek to maximize their power and security in an anarchic international system. They view the pursuit of power and security as the primary motivators for states, and believe that competition and conflict are natural outcomes of this pursuit.
- DEFECTS IN THE NATURE OF HUMANS : Realists argue that the defects in human nature, such as greed, ambition, and fear, lead to conflict and that these tendencies cannot be eliminated. They view the international system as inherently competitive, and believe that states must protect their own interests in a world where trust is rare.
- DIPLOMACY IS IMPORTANT : While Realists believe that conflicts are inevitable, they also believe that diplomacy can play an important role in managing these conflicts and reducing the risk of war. Realists view diplomacy as a means of communicating and bargaining between states, and believe that it can help to reduce tensions and resolve conflicts peacefully.
- ACQUIRING POWER : Realists believe that acquiring power is the most important goal for states in the international system. They believe that power provides security and the ability to influence the behavior of other states. Realists view military power as the most important component of power, but also recognize the importance of economic, political, and diplomatic power.
- BELIEF IN ALLIANCES : Realists believe that alliances are an important means of acquiring power and security. They believe that states form alliances to balance against potential threats and to ensure their own security. Realists view alliances as a means of pooling resources and increasing their collective power, and believe that they can play an important role in shaping the international system.
CONCLUSION :-
Realism and Idealism represent two different perspectives on international politics, emphasizing the role of power and self-interest versus cooperation and shared values, respectively. Both approaches offer valuable insights into the complexities of international relations, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of international politics must draw from both Realist and Idealist perspectives, as well as other approaches, to provide a nuanced and multi-faceted understanding of the complexities of international relations.