- Explain anarchy in IR
- Compare realist and liberal theories
- Apply them to a current issue
International Relations
Inside a country, the state keeps order. Between countries there’s no higher authority — just 190+ sovereign states. That condition has a name: anarchy.
In international relations, anarchy means the absence of a supreme global authority — not chaos. Realists say it drives states to seek power and security; liberals say institutions and trade can tame it.
Key points
- Realism: states seek security/power; expect rivalry, alliances, arms races.
- Liberalism: democracy, trade and institutions (UN, EU) make cooperation rational.
- Constructivism: ideas and identities shape interests — enemies can become friends.
- All three illuminate: none explains everything alone.
France and Germany fought three wars in 70 years — then bound their coal and steel industries together. Economic interdependence made war materially harder: liberalism in action.
Practice
Realist: the UN reflects great-power interests and can’t override them. Liberal: it lowers the costs of cooperation and builds norms that restrain conflict.
The absence of a supreme authority above states — states must ultimately rely on themselves.
- IR starts from anarchy: no world government.
- Realism stresses power and security; liberalism stresses institutions and trade.
- Constructivism adds ideas and identity.
- Use theories as lenses, not religions.