1. Discuss any two approaches
to the study International Relations.
Introduction
International relations theory is that the study of diplomacy
(IR) from a theoretical perspective. It attempts to supply a conceptual
framework upon which diplomacy are often analyzed. Ole Holsti describes
diplomacy theories as acting like pairs of colored sunglasses that allow the
wearer to ascertain only salient events relevant to the theory; e.g., an
adherent of realism may completely disregard an occasion that a constructivist
might pounce upon as crucial, and the other way around . The three most prominent
theories are realism, liberalism and constructivism.Sometimes, institutionalism
proposed and developed by Keohane and Nye is discussed as a paradigm differed
from liberalism.
International relations theories are often divided into
"positivist/rationalist" theories which specialise in a principally
state-level analysis, and "post-positivist/reflectivist" ones which
incorporate expanded meanings of security, starting from class, to gender, to
postcolonial security. Many often conflicting ways of thinking exist in IR
theory, including constructivism, institutionalism, Marxism, neo-Gramscianism,
et al. . However, two positivist schools of thought are most prevalent: realism
and liberalism.
Neo-Realism
Neo-realism came to be developed within the diplomacy of
1980s, and under the influence of the ideas and writings of Keneth Waltz. Like
Realism, Neo-Realism also accepts and advocates the central importance of power
in diplomacy . However at same time, it also accepts the necessity to elucidate
these in terms of the structure of diplomacy .
It advocates that states, while remaining continuously
involved in struggle for power, are influenced, not only by the weather of
national power and national interest but also by the international structure.
for instance , the demise of the Eurocentric international hierarchy acted as a
component of the foreign policies of the USA & USSR within the post-war
diplomacy .
Neo-Realism gives primacy to power in diplomacy but at an
equivalent time accepts the role of other factors particularly the structure of
Systeme International d'Unites , international cooperation and even the
economic factors of relations among nations.
Neo-Realism, which is additionally sometimes described as
Structural Realism or Contemporary Realism, stands related to the names of
several contemporary scholars, particularly Keneth Waltz, whose work “Theory of
International Relations” (1979) became known for its neo-realist approach.
However, Keneth Waltz preferred to use the term Structural
Realism. He strongly advocated the view that the structure of Systeme
International d'Unites decisively shaped the behaviour of countries within the
international struggle for power.
Liberal Approach in International Politics
Liberal approach to the study of diplomacy has its roots
within the development of liberal political orientation that happened within
the 17th Century. The liberal tradition always takes a positive view of
attribute . It had its origin and large popularity in political orientation and
it entered the realm of diplomacy only within the last half of the 20th
century.
Liberals put the individual at the centre of the universe.
All progress is measured in terms of the interests of the individuals within
the universe. Locke , for instance , is credited with the creation of a
constitutional state through a agreement to guard the natural rights of the
individual. Such a state enables and establishes the rule of law that respects
the rights of the citizens, particularly the rights to life, liberty and
property.
This doesn't mean that states are relegated to marginal
status within the liberal perspective. faraway from it, the fashionable
liberals view states because the most vital collective actors of our times .
They are, however, seen as pluralistic actors whose interests and policies are
determined by bargaining among groups and elections.
Liberals are of the view that the interests of the states aren't static but dynamic. Interests of states keep it up changing with time because individual’s values and power relations among interest groups keep it up evolving over time. Also, most liberals believe that states don't only have certain self- interests to preserve but also regard state’s policies as other- regarding to some extent since they believe that the expansion of liberal democracy increases people’s concern for other humans.
