Realism in International Relations.Marxism posits that the struggle between social 
classes--specifically between the bourgeoisie, or 
capitalists, and the proletariat, or workers--defines 
economic relations in a capitalist economy and will lead 
inevitably to a communist revolution.Realism or political realism is the dominant 
theory of IR.
Realism Defined: 
"A paradigm based on the premise that world politics is a 
struggle among selfinterested states for power and position 
under anarchy, with each competing state pursuing its own 
national interests". -International System is anarchical (claim). -There is no world government or universal sovereign. -States have international independence
Basic Assumptions of Realism: 
-A pessimistic view of human nature. -A conviction that IR are necessarily conflictual and conflicts 
are resolved by war. -A high regards for the values of national security, statism, 
self-help, survival. -Sovereign States are main actors, in competition with one 
another. -Rational Decision-making in pursuit of national interest
-International system is anarchic and conflict-prone. -All States must pursue power to survive, a mass resources; 
military, economic and political capability. -States balance against threats. Morality has no place in 
International politics. -International politics more important than domestic politics. -Absolute Gains and Human are preoccupied with their own 
well-being
-They desire to be in driving seat. They love to enjoy edge over others and avoid being 
dominated by others. *-Hans Morgenthau, views men and women having 'will to 
power'. -Especially in politics and Int. politics 'politics is struggle for 
power over men'
-International politics is power politics, arena of 'rivalry, 
'conflict' and 'war' among states. The main objective of 
Foreign Policy is to defend and project national interests in 
the world. Liberalism and Neo-Liberalism
Liberalism: An optimistic approach to global politics 
based on the perfectibility of humankind, free trade, 
and democracy; focuses on individuals rather than 
states.(Idealism /utopianism a term coined by realists 
to ridicule liberals who believe in the importance of 
international law, treaties, morality, and international 
institutions). Liberals Assumptions: Positive view of 
human nature. Conviction that human nature can be 
cooperative. Belief in progress. Roots of Liberalism: 
-John Lock in 17th century saw great potential for 
Human progress, Civil society, Capitalist economy
That was re-inforced by liberal intellectual revolution 
that had faith in reasonand rational. 3
-Germy Bentham, (1748-1832 "Greatest happiness for 
greatest number,".The neo-liberal 
orthodoxy is championed by Thomas Friedman (2005), 
he argues free trade, and private property rights will 
lead to a richer, innovative and more tolerant world
2-Republican Democratic=states are more inclined to 
respect the rights of their citizens and are less likely to 
go to war with democratic neighbours.Early 
Liberals (1920-30) were utopianists.?