You will be required to write a paper one of the IR theories we have covered in class to a current event of your choice.   

INSTRUCTION

You will be required to write a paper one of the IR theories we have covered in class to a current event of your choice.    

The first step in this process will be to explain your IR theory.  What are the general assumptions of the school of thought?  How do those that adhere to the theory think about the interaction between actors on the global stage?  What does the theory assume about human nature?  Etc… You then must provide a brief explanation of your event.  Finally, you must indicate the way that someone from your school of thought would interpret the event you have just explained.  You only have 3-4 pages so you must carefully choose the most important aspects of the theory and the event you are explaining.    (Note: this paper does not require that you defend or make an argument for a particular theory rather you are only to apply a theory to a specific case in question) The theory you have chosen may not be able to explain all aspects of the event.  What is it able to cover?  What does it fail to take into consideration?  Be explicit and thorough.

 This paper should be approximately 3-4 pages double spaced (not including the bibliography) in Times New Roman 12 point font with 1 inch margins.  You should have 3 sources outside of the class reading material that provides more information about the IR theory and current event that you are explaining.  Your paper should be free of grammatical errors and be in the MLA citational formatting style. 

IR Theories to choose from (Sign up day April 8th …switching must be approved by the instructor)  
Realism
Liberalism
Postmodernism
Feminism
Constructivism

Running head: POLITICAL SCIENCE

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POLITICAL SCIENCE 2

Draft #1

2/13/2020

Paper Proposal

The major theories of international relation are realism and liberalism. Although they are broadly recognized as schools of thought, realism and liberalism, they are still recognized as theories of international relations. Realism has three subdivisions that explain what causes interstate conflict. They include classical realism that argues that the conflict comes from the nature of man, neorealist which associates conflict the elements of the state, and neoclassical realism which associates it to both human nature and elements of the state (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). However, liberalism operates on three tenets with the first one rejecting the notion that international relations’ only outcome is power politics. The next one emphasizes International Corporation and mutual benefit, while the last one executes nongovernmental players and multinational organizations for determining the preferences of the state alongside policy choices (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017).

The Important Aspects of International Relations

Theory

Realism is one of the oldest and main theories of international relations and revolves around a few ideas or assumptions. The first assumption is that a country, usually referred to as a state, serves as the main actor in the international relations. While there are other actors like organizations and individuals, their powers are limited (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold ,2017). The second assumption is that the state acts as unitary player, usually speaking in a single voice on matters concerning national interests like war. The third assumption is that people who make decisions are rational players since rational decision-making results in the pursuance of the interests of a nation (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017).

Hence, those who generate decisions that may weaken a country do not pass as rational decision-makers. The theory further posits that leader, irrespective of their political stand, are aware of these assumptions since they try to manage their national affairs to ensure their survival. Last but not least, states exist in an anarchy context whereby they do not have one international leader (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017).

In most of the cases, realism takes past examples and therefore, emphasizes on the notion that nature influences people to continue with repetitive behavior patterns. At the center of this assumption lies the idea that people desire power since they are egoistic (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). Their selfishness coupled with their thirst for power and mistrust results in predictable effects. This view may explain the unending wars between and among nations. And because states are made and run by human beings, the nature of people influences the behavior of the state, particularly its security (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). One of the main concerns of leaders involves promoting the security of their countries.

Hence, to execute this endeavor, state leaders stay vigilant while coping to their both internal and external threats targeting their rule, in which case, a leader should act like a fox and a lion at the same time. In this case, a fox represents deception while a lion represents powers which are the most significant element needed in foreign policy (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold., 2017). Based on the view of Machiavelli, leaders adhere to the ethics of responsibility as opposed to the traditional morality guiding the common citizens. In essence, they act violently when there is a need to behave that way and manifest their goodness at other times to ensure the continued existence of the state (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). Many realists have argued that realism provides a more clear description of world politics’ image, making it one of the most used the theory across the globe when it comes to policymaking.

When considering one of the subdivisions of realism, structural realism or neorealism, developed by Kenneth Waltz, state decisions are made from a particular formula instead of coming from human nature (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). Initially, due to existing in a multinational system of anarchy, states are usually constrained. Then, action states follow is founded on their comparative power when assessed against others. Hence, this formula makes it possible to measure the power of a state, either physically or empirically, eliminating assumptions regarding human nature which is founded on given philosophical ideas which cannot be assessed either physically or empirically (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017).

Liberalism holds a state preference with capabilities and the determinants of the behavior of a nation (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). Liberalism allows for a plural state in the actions that are conducted. They interact in different ways including financial, economic, as well as cultural means. Preference varies from one state to another; thus, conflict arises when there are issues left pending in nations. Co-operation can be used for the absolute gains within a country (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold 2017). Peace can only be achieved through the liberal way of agreement between nations. Besides, international institutions have significant roles to play in the cooperation among nations or states.

Crucial Things in the Theory That Have to Been Addressed

Realism has one of the issues that will need to give an understanding of how nations interact. It reveals that each state seeks to improve its power for it to remain competitive, and that leaders’ behavior is characterized with power and deception for the continued existence of their states (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). The middle ground, where constructivism theory stands, proves the mainstream part of the IR theory (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold 2017). Constructivists address the interests between individuals and what they share when agreeing. The mainstream IR approach brings a clear and critical view of how international relations have changed in the past. The commonly held assumptions in the field of IR that have created central attention since its inception lie in the tenets or realism.

References

McGlinchey, S. Walters, R. & Gold, D. (2017).

Getting Started with International Relations

Theory. Retrieved from https://www.e-ir.info/2017/12/24/getting-started-withinternational-relations-theory/

Mingzhi Hu

First Paper

3/5/2020

POLS 203

Application of Realism Theory on Civil war in Syria and International Relations

International relation can be best understood through the various schools of thought or

rather theories. They are significant in giving a comprehensive detail of the constructs that make

international relations. Realism theory still remains one of the most influential tools in

understanding events related to international relations. This is because it provides a pragmatic

approach in examining current events in the sphere of international relations (Maghroori, pg. 17).

Realism is divided into three subdivisions, seeking to explain causes of state conflict. This

include classical realism that argues that the conflict comes from the nature of man, neorealist

which associates conflict the elements of the state, and neoclassical realism which associates it to

both human nature and elements of the state. This school of thought is grounded on some

fundamental principles that make the core of its arguments.

The first assumption in realism is the idea that a country, usually referred to as a state,

serves as the main actor in international relations. It acknowledges the fact that there are other

actors like individuals and organizations, which have limited influence (Maghroori 11).

Secondly, the state is considered a unitary player, which is expected to work harmoniously, with

regard to matters of national interest. In addition, realists believe that the people who make

decisions are rational players, since this rationality is required in pursuing the interest of the

nation. In essence, the leaders are believed to understand these assumptions regardless of their

Laci Hubbard-Mattix
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But selfish

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What do you mean by “work harmoniously”

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It is not clear what this sentence means.

political position, so ensure their sustainability and continuity. Consequently, it is assumed that

states exist in an anarchy context, where there is no single international leader. In this

theorization, the role of nature in influencing human action is not ignored. It asserts that nature

influence people to continue acting in repetitive tendencies. In this assumption, it comes out that

people desire power because of the egoistic nature. The innate selfishness of human beings,

mistrust and their thirst for power explains the unpredicted consequences that can result from

their actions (Maghroori 20). Such human tendencies can explain the unending wars among

nations. Bearing the fact that nations are governed by human beings, their nature contributes

largely to their behavioral tendencies, which in turn influence its security.

Realist therefore assume that leaders have the responsibility to promote the security of

their country in all fronts. This can be realized through constant vigilance, that can be helpful in

developing proactive measures to deal with both internal and external threats. These threats

include those that target their rule or authority (Maghroori 15). This calls for a leader to be

tactful in his approaches, so as to achieve the utmost good of its people. In this way, for a state’s

continued existence, they need to act accordingly depending on the needs presented by a given

situation. Following this illustration, realists are focused in giving a perfect description of the

world’s politics, and its influence in policy making.

Syrians regime has been one of the largely debated issue in the recent past. The unrest in

the country, and recently in the North Western province of Idlib has raised several international

concerns (Doganay & Demiraslan 223). The major issue of concern has been the fact that Syria

has received little international support to bring to an end the destructive regime. The Syria

regime forces, that has been backed with the Russian militia have remained a central issue in

Syria, as the Syrians are fighting to get hold of their city. The sad thing is the fact that the

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Which human tendencies?

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What does “their” refer back to? The leaders? The state? Their decisions?

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Why is this important?

Laci Hubbard-Mattix
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You are missing a lot of the important information about realism. That the international realm tends toward conflict. Security dilemma, balance of power. Etc…

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It isn’t clear what regime you are referring to or any of the details of the situation.

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The international system is anarchic.

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Which Syrians?

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What does this mean? How does it follow?

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What are these and why do they matter?

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Not necessarily. If not being tactful would provide better security they would have to do that.

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The Syrian civil war.

Turkish troop that was deployed in an effort to prevent the regime from entering and taking over

their city, did not stop them. The regime has stretched and taken control of most opposition –

based areas, including several villages in Idlib. Saraqeb as one of the largest cities in the country

side of Idlib was taken over, with the most concern being the large population it hosted (Schmidt,

pg. 31). With the continued use of violence, the Turkish militia that were deployed withdrew.

With the regime supported with both Russian and Iranian troops, the opposition still fights back.

This event can largely be explained with the realist approach to international relations.

Realist approach to international relations emphasizes on the need for the state to be primary

actors with others being of less significance. It believes that states have the highest authority in

the international system, assuming the position of anarchy. This school of thought is anchored in

the belief that states form the bodies of the other actors, including international organizations.

This means that states can influence the actions of international organizations. Russia alongside

with China as permanent members of the UN security council vetoed three responsibilities of the

UN to sanction the Syrian regime and stop violence (Schmidt 34). It is in this very light that

these states stopped Un from offering foreign military aid in Syria. The idea of sovereignty of a

state is also a central issue in Russia’s attitude towards Syria. The other assumption in the realist

school of thought that claims states to be self-interested is central in understanding this case.

Russia votes against the No-fly zone and the protection of civilians in the UN security council.

This is because Russia has interest in Syria based on its strategic geographical location, and

benefit accrued to the exports to the Syrian army is a central concern. They strongly believe that

this can be weakened when the violence is ceased (Doganay & Demiraslan, pg. 220). In this way,

their own well-being is supreme, as compared to the moral duty of humanitarian intervention.

This simply justifies the tenet that ethics are interpreted in the lens of politics.

Laci Hubbard-Mattix
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Realism does not allow for humanitarian intervention.

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What is “this” that is being weakened?

Laci Hubbard-Mattix
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Realism does not allow for ethics.

Laci Hubbard-Mattix
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It isn’t that states “need” to be primary actors it is that they are.

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Sovereignty of the state is not unique to realism.

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Realism is a theory- it cannot have beliefs.

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Why does Russia have in interest based on this?

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The connection to realism is unclear.

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You hadn’t explained why the troops were deployed etc…

This case also illustrates the realist idea that the behavior of states is primarily driven by

pursuit of power. Russian geo-strategic interest is core due to the strategic geographical location

of Syria in the middle east. Mosco and Tehran have mutual relation and share common interest,

including enmity with America, fear of radical Sunni Islam movements and economic

cooperation (Schmidt 36). Russia feels that if the regime is brought to an end, a democratic

system is likely to be established, which will gain prominence in the region, thus isolating Iran.

Russia therefore is interested in seeing President Assad remain in power, so that their influence is

not lost to the United States.

Work Cited

Doganay, Mehmet, and Hayati Demiraslan. “Refugees of the Syrian civil war: impact on

reemerging infections, health services, and biosecurity in Turkey.” Health security 14.4

(2016): 220-225.

Maghroori, Ray. “Introduction: major debates in international relations.” Globalism Versus

Realism. Routledge, 2019. 9-22.

Schmidt, Søren. “The Middle East Regional Security Complex and the Syrian civil war.” The

War for Syria. Routledge, 2019. 17-36.