PSC 116G Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Democratic Peace Theory, Bourgeoisie, Counterpoint
Document Summary
Conflict is the dominant theme in realism while cooperation is the dominant theme in liberalism. Realism states that all states act similarly while liberalism states that the type of government can shape the state behavior. Realism suggests that the international system is anarchic because there is no international police which puts us into a state of anarchy. Realism also suggests that states act out to get power and are constantly seeking to maximize their power. Realism is the oldest theory in international relations, and can be dated back to thucydides. Realism incorporates a balance of power system where it assumes states will seek to dominate others; this distribution of power will determine war or peace. Realism also theorizes that international politics is beyond morality. Realism assumes the states are unitary actors and that, as a single entity have a national interest. Where realism believes people are inherently bad, liberalism believes people are inherently peaceful at the individual level.
