Question

1) Examine the nature, components and uses of theory in international relations as well as why theories can help us to understand the world. Be sure to also distinguish between empirical and normative theory in your answer AND to identify links between theory and practice.

2) Compare and contrast the main characteristics and assumptions of liberalism (idealism) and realism. Which one is more persuasive in its analysis of individuals, states and the international system in general and why? Be sure to use some examples in your answer.

Answer 1

International Relations is a part of political science which covers the issues related to foreign and global affairs of the states. it works within the framework of the international system in which the state, the non-governmental, and the governmental organizations are a part of. The study of international relations involves both theoretical and practical scopes. There are numerous fields which the IR focuses on. The fields vary from economics, geography, sociology, history, law and many other subjects. The issues of globalization and its impact on the society and on the environment all are an essential part of IR.
The theories of the IR provides a model on which the relations of the states and the international relations can be studied and analyzed accordingly. The theories of the IR varies and they are modeled upon a different set of assumptions and rules. Each theory is applicable to different situations and at different degrees of requirement. The theories of the International Relations have divided into “positivist/rationalist” theories and “post-positivist/reflectivist” theories. “positivist/rationalist” theories are the theories which emphasize mainly on the analysis of state-level relations. While “post-positivist/reflectivist” theories are the theories which emphasize issues related to security to class, gender, and to post colonists.
The empirical theory explains the issues through observations with facts and normative theory explains the issues through values. Empirical theory can be observed through senses and can be verified through repeated observations. Normative theory is the ideal state that can be achieved and is based on moral and ideas.
The theories which explain the past events may or may not be applicable in the future events too. The theories provide ambiguous meanings to the different circumstances which are a failure of being practiced.

Realism is useful when historical actions are concerned. The usefulness of realism gets restricted while predicting the events of the future and to explain the systematic change such as the cold wars. It assumes state to be the on the highest order and are in competition with each other. According to the realists, the state lies in the position of being an anarchy in the politics of the world where all the states look forward to their own national interests. They believed that peace can only be restored or gained if the states have equal powers among themselves. During the cold war, neither the United States nor the Soviet Union had trust in each other and both of them allied with the foreign powers to increase their political and military influences.
Liberalism focuses on the wider range of conditions. Although it doesn't help much in predicting future instances but is useful in providing useful insights on past events. They believed that peace can be secured among the states through international institutions and through the practice of democracy. Though the United States has many issues with the European and Asian allies on the issues of trade and policy, still it would not prefer to use its military power over them.