The 5 Most Prominent Theories in International Relations

Question 1 

In the discipline of international relations, three most prominent theories provide a conceptual framework on how to analyze international relations . Realism is an approach that regards international politics as a struggle for power among nations and seeks to explain it using factors such as national interest, security, and control. In essence, the realistic approach to international relations believes that the state is a principle and unitary actor. The relationship between each other is dependent on the power relationship with each other. The primary objective of the country is survival that is achieved through military and economic power, and therefore states have to maximize their potential.

Realism can be categorized into classical and neo-realism. The classical realism assumes that international politics is driven by an endless struggle for power that is rooted like a man. On the other hand, neo-realism is the contemporary and structural realism that explains international conflict within the structure. This doctrine has been effective in helping scholars understand global systems through the concepts of self-help, survival, and altruism. The realists believe there are no codes of conduct and states may guide theory actions using a pragmatic approach to solve issues.

Realism approach is different from liberalism and constructivism theories of international relations. Liberalism believes the pressure of the global system is what pushes a state into action. It also considers that anarchy exists in international networks, though it differs in response to anarchy by suggesting the use of alliances which can lead to less chance of conflict. As such, this doctrine focuses on having reciprocity between states rather than a power struggle. On the other hand, constructivism believes that the norms, values, and identity influence political life and drives international relations. It also assumes that individuals and non-state actors are critical to the promotion of ideas since the ideas of people can allow for the diffusion of ideas or norms.

Question 2 

Realism theory is the most reflective of Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy. He has been articulating a bold vision of America’s role in the world. Trump can be described as a neo-realist or principled realism that has seen him overcome internal resistance and external pressure to deliver a string of foreign policy successes. His actions have been based on some realistic approach where he puts the interest of the nation above all other considerations. For example, he has focused more on national security and prosperity. Trump has leaned towards realism by placing national interests above all principles. His realism has been seen in his foreign policies with North Korea and Iran regarding nuclear ambitions. He became the first US president to meet with a North Korean leader and put forward national interests while emphasizing the importance of national sovereignty. Trump has been proposing policies that may contradict with the liberal Americans but which are in the best interest of the country.

Question 3 

Balance power and collective security are some of the theoretical concepts related to modern global conflict as devices of power management. The balance of power is the idea of military might be evenly distributed among different states so that no single nation can dominate others. Without the balance of power, some countries with powerful armies can act aggressively towards others threatening security and creating conflict. A proper balance of power can help create world peace since states will less likely work aggressively when there is equal military might. This concept also involves alliances since two systems of equally powerful unions as less likely to go to war as opposed to having one method that is superior to another. However, this cannot be an appropriate way of dealing with issues due to the conflicting interests of different countries.

In this regard, collective security is a more viable method of dealing with world order. Collective security corresponds to the system envisioned by neoliberals and are thus different from realism. This doctrine is seen as a method of preventing the outbreak of war as it sets rules for keeping the peace. It, therefore, entails setting a security system where each state develops an agreement to respond to any threats to their order. This theory helps protect the security and maintain order by establishing a contract that prohibits states from attacking one another while joining an alliance to defend any country that is attacked. It, therefore, rests on the proposition that war can be prevented by deterrence using collective power.

Question 4 

Rational decision making is a structured and sequenced approach to making decisions to ensure discipline and consistency. It brings logic and order to decision making through six steps. Rational decision making differs from natural processes in solving a problem as it is logical. The first step in rational decision making is defining the problem including what the issue is, who it affects and where it exists, including the primary causes. The second part is to construct policy alternatives by outlining the possibilities that are a viable solution for the identified problem. After that, the third step is to develop evaluative criteria that help determine the best practical solution for the challenge. This entails analyzing possible costs involved and the level of effectiveness. The fourth step is to assess the alternatives to determine the favorable policy considering all situation. This step is followed by the drawing of conclusions while assessing other influences where the course of action is the most probable.

Question 5 

The war on terror involved new security legislation and attempts to block the financing of terrorism. In policy formulation, there are three broad levels of analysis including micro, mid and macro levels. The micro-level analysis is concerned with identifying who makes decisions and how choices are made within the organization. The decision was multidimensional with limitless scope focusing on countries associated with the terrorist organization. The objective was to diminish underlying conditions that terrorists use to exploit.

The mid-level analysis focuses on the policy-making process and the actions and mechanisms that define the agenda and brings policies into practice. The administration authorized the use of armed forces against anyone responsible for the 9/11 attacks. It also allowed the US president to use all necessary force against individuals or nations planning or aiding in terrorist attacks. The macro-level analysis is where criticism and interpretation of the existing system within its economic, political and cultural context. The policy was focused on defending the interest of US citizens both home and abroad and strengthen the international effort to combat terrorism.

Question 6 

An act of terrorism can be defined as the use of violence and intimidation in pursuing political claims or further some political agenda such as gaining independence, driving it a group or destabilize the region. Terrorism acts often come at a time of nominal peace targeting mostly civilians or the government to achieve the goal of intimidating a target. The United States has continuously been accused of committing war crime during the Japanese bombing since it resulted in the killing of numerous innocent lives in Japan. However, this action cannot be considered an act of terrorism as ending the Second World War was not a political goal and therefore cannot be considered an act of terrorism. Besides, before dropping of the two bombs, the civilians had been warned of a target beforehand and urged to evacuate through dropping of leaflets. In most cases, acts of terrorism are instant, and civilians are never given time to evacuate. Therefore, there is a need to distinguish between strategic bombing and terrorist atomic bombing. The explosion of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was for tactical reasons rather than political reasons, and cannot be considered an act of terrorism. The purpose was to destroy communications and transport networks or demolish any ammunition plants that could support the war. However, collateral damage was inevitable during these operations. The bombing was aimed at the buildings along the railway tracks aiming at the combatants and not the civilians. It was, therefore, dropped to overcome military resistance in the area.