Module2 Assign.1, IR

Gaton, Patricia Marize February 28,
2022
CMS 3A Sir Richard

Talento
Module 2 Assignment
Questions
1. Identify the major debates within IR. Why do the debates often linger on
without any clear winner emerging?
 There are four debates in international relations; the first one is the
utopian between liberalism and realism, second is between traditional
approaches and the behaviouralism, third is the differences between neorealism
with neoliberalism and neo-Marxism, then the last is an emerging one between
established traditions and post-positivist alternatives. The point of the liberal view
is that human beings are rational people so they had applied this unto the
relations with other countries that with their connection with each other can all be
mutually beneficial that peace is possible for them but that’s just wishful thinking,
while realism talks about how a person will always be interested in their own self
needs and will seek power to achieve their goals which can result in fighting with
one another. Realist has won the first round in the major debate due to it being
the dominating way of thinking during that time but liberalism was still present
during that time and didn’t agree with the realist. The next debate was between
the traditional approaches and the behaviouralism where the traditional approach
was about understanding the inside in a humanistic way while behaviouralism is
about the scientific way in understanding of the outside. The second debate is in
a tie between one another due to it being that both methods are both informative
and enriching to those that study it and can be mutually beneficial towards each
other. The third major debate is between differences of neorealism, neoliberalism
and neo-Marxism. Neoliberalism was about nations working together in peace.
Neorealism then was about system structure that ensures power and balance
that both are influenced by behaviouralism. neo-Marxism is about capitalism
based on a hierarchy between developed and developing classes, resulting in yet
another open case. This third debate was a continuation of the first one but this
time in this debate the neoliberalist is accepting the point of the neorealist. State
systems are constantly evolving, and no single approach can be used in every
situation. For different situations, different approaches are required, and old
approaches can always evolve into new ones.
2. Which are the established theoretical traditions in IR? How can they be seen
as ‘established’?
 There are 4 established theoretical traditions in international relations
which are the following; realism/neorealism, liberalism/neoliberalism,
international society and international political economy. Realism/neorealism is
about human nature to prioritize self-interest over all else in order to survive while
liberalism/neoliberalism is all about how states' cooperative and collaborative
relationship. Then in international society is another name for a school dedicated
in studying IR for all countries to study and it knows the importance of power in
the state and its system through the its affairs internationally. They also saw the
importance of realism and liberalism to the world of politics by making common
laws and norms that will be implemented around the world. Last is about
international political economy focused on their wealth internationally in both the
economic and political world. All four of these traditions in IR have existed
centuries ago which classified them as established in today’s studies since its still
continued being used and studied by students and professionals.
3. Why was early IR strongly influenced by liberalism?

 Liberalism’s influence was strong during the early IR was because it was
the ideal way of thinking where peace was stable if every country would come
into an agreement where everyone would be mutually beneficial, where war and
conflict would not arise. Where cooperation was an essential thing for peace to
happen between states, they have also made the law in the international
relations between one another for all countries to be connected globally.
4. Seen over the long term, realism is the dominant theoretical tradition in IR.
Why?
 Realists believed that humans are driven by a desire for power and
survival. Power and security were important factors in handling state affairs, as
well as maintaining peace. They believed that because different states' interests
would lead to conflicts, international relations were necessary to maintain the
balance of power. Furthermore, realism came to dominate in the long run
because what people needed at the time was a more concrete foundation, such
as historical facts.
5. Why do scholars have pet theories? What are your own theoretical
preferences?
 We human beings are easily influenced by our own culture and beliefs and
the same could be said by the theories we use. An example would where a
person dreams for a world with no conflict where everyone is happy and safe
that’s where liberalism comes in. I believe that my preference would fall under
international society theory because I do want peace for everyone around the
world but I also know the dark reality where people will always be hungry for
power and would eventually think of themselves but they also take responsibility
where they also think of the nations need which result into international
relationship with other countries.

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Gaton, Patricia Marize February 28,

CMS 3A Sir Richard

3. Why was early IR strongly influenced by liberalism?

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