Theories of International Relations
International relations is the study of interactions, movements, and changes in relationships between states. International relations is a field of study that has many different theories about how to approach and understand international relations.
The five main theories of international relations include: realism theory, liberalism theory, Marxism theory, constructivism theory, and feminism theory :[1]
1/ Realism Theory
Realism is the theory that states are motivated by national interests and that governments act primarily to maintain their security and influence over other countries. This theory focuses on power and state-to-state interaction, viewing international politics as a struggle for power among states.
The realism theory in international relations is a theory that the state and its security is the most important factor of international relations. It has been criticized for being too simple and not explaining certain factors like culture, religion, or social change. The realism theory has been used to justify many different policies by both supporters and opponents of the realist viewpoint. It has influenced some foreign policy decisions in the past, including the Cold War.
2/ Liberalism Theory
Liberalism is one of the most influential theories in international relations because it emphasizes the importance of individual rights and freedoms as well as democracy. This theory focuses on how states can cooperate with each other to create an international society that promotes peace and prosperity for all individuals regardless of their nationality or status.
Liberalism is a political and social philosophy with a wide variety of definitions. It is commonly associated with support for individual liberty, free markets, and democracy. Liberalism first emerged in the 17th century as a philosophical response to absolutism in Europe. Its roots can be traced back to classical liberalism, which includes John Locke's theory of natural rights and Thomas Hobbes' theory of social contract.
3/ Marxism Theory
Marxism is a philosophy of thought that advocates class struggle as the motor force of history. Marxists believe that capitalism creates the conditions for conflict among countries by creating economic inequalities among countries and by forcing some countries to compete for resources with others.
Marxism is an economic theory that originated from Karl Marx in 1848.
Marxism is an economic theory that aims to explain how society functions through its institutions. Marx's thought has been influential on a wide range of political movements. His most well-known works are Capital and The Communist Manifesto. The Marxist theory was originally called "scientific socialism" and it was intended to be a scientific understanding of how society worked. It is a political, economic, and social ideology that advocates for working-class people to achieve liberation from the ruling class.
4/Constructivism theory
is a theory that states that international relations are constructed through reciprocal interactions between states. This theory purports that international relations were about power, not about collective security or economic development.
5/Feminism theory
is another theoretical approach to international relations that focuses on gender inequality and how it affects nations and their relationship with each other.
- Teacher: Said Hafdaoui