International Relation

Approaches
 Approaches in International Relations

There are two types of approaches in international relations

1. Realistic approach

2. Idealist approach

Realistic approach:

There are following aspects which are used for the realism

• Universal moral principles cannot be applied to action of states.

• Power relations are a fundamental feature of international relation.

• Realist holds power and its pursuit by individuals and states as ubiquitous and
inescapable

• Power is the fundamental feature of international politics

• In all these definitions we see that there is a key factor of power.

The true definition of realism is as following:

Realism emphasizes constrains on politics imposed by human nature and the

absence of international government. Together they make international relation
largely a realm of power and interest.

Some realist, such as Reinhold Niebuhr and Morgenthau see Machiavelli

claim as a largely descriptive. Many like Machiavelli himself contend only that there
are enough egoists to make any other assumption unduly risky. All however
emphasize the egoistic passions and self interest in politics.

Most realists also recognized that “Men are motivated by other desires than the urge
for power and that power is not the only aspect of international relation”

Morgenthau argues that “to do justice and to receive it is an elemental aspiration of a

man”

History:

The tradition of political realism has long history that is typically traced back to
the great Greek historian Thucydides in the fifth century. Although dominant attitudes
towards realism have varied, realist arguments and orientations have been central to
the western theory and practice of international relations.
Morgenthau

A prolific academic and journalistic writer, Morgenthau became best known to

students of international relation for this succinct statement of the principles of
realism in the first chapter of his book “politics among nations”. These principles
presented in sharp, vigorous, accessible prose, summarize a simple yet wide ranging
philosophical, theoretical, and political world view.

1. Political realism believes that politics like society in general is governed by

objective laws that have their roots in human nature

2. The main signpost that helps political realism to find its way through the
landscape of international politics is the concept of interest defined in terms of
power

3. Power and interest are variable in content across space and time.

4. Realism maintains that universal moral principles cannot be applied to the

actions of states.

5. Political realism refuses to identify the moral aspirations of a particular nation

with the moral laws that govern the universe

6. The difference then between the political realism and the other schools of
thought is real and it is profound intellectually the political realist maintains the
autonomy of the political sphere

Morgenthau’s strong biological realism will make him a central figure of world.
According to john Locke

It is rather a set or ideas which take into account the implications of security and
power factors. The prominent realist including the classic theories are Thomas
Hobbes and Nicola Machiavelli.

Criticism on this theory:

a. Psychological relations

b. Wrongly assumed theory

c. Power wrongly assumed

d. Power is the permanent guiding factor

e. Power means bloody game

f. Morality

g. Involvement of power

h. Nature of autonomy
 Idealist approach

It refuses the power centred realistic approach.

Definition:

According to the idealist approach the power politics is the

passing phase of history and presents the picture of future
international society based on the norms which depicts a reformed
international system free from power politics of immorality and
violence.

Idealists believe that the foreign policies based on the idealistic principles are more
effective because it promotes cooperation and unity among the states rather than
competitions and violence.

This approach is concerned with the perception, images, cautiousness, pragmatism,

superiority, creativeness, confidence and other personal characteristics of decision
makers.

It is the ant globalization movement can be viewed as exemplary of the active

approach to ICR. It is often a direct response to the negative side of the realist
regime. It aspires to the active pursuit of the highest possible human right and labour
standards. Idealism originally manifested in an appeal for Tran’s governmental
governance that departs from the notion of interstate cooperation in pursuit of a
common societal of community good. Idealist barging is characterized by persuasion
and the principle of one country one vote. Idealism signifies a search for the highest
possible denominator of what actors can agree upon. Idealist reasoning hopes to
encourage a race to the top in establishing ethical values. But an idealist approach to
CSR issues also contains the risk of pursuing unrealistic goals that will to decide
upon anything on the basis of unanimity. Managers employing active ICR standards
tend to focus primarily on their international integrity and other fiduciary duties. An
international stakeholder dialoguer on the basis of idealist principles requires a
considerable degree of trust among all partners which is probably only possible in
cases where the actors are relatively equal in strength and size.

The idealism and realism dichotomy does not suffice to reveal all
relevant dimensions of international governess problems and ICR
strategies.