International Relations Theory Analysis

This assignment delves into the analysis of prominent theories within the field of international relations. It emphasizes the importance of considering diverse perspectives and avoiding oversimplified interpretations. Students are encouraged to adopt a practical approach and draw upon various resources, such as academic books and online articles, to formulate well-supported conclusions.

Critical theories of International
Relations

ESSAY
Around the world, there are different countries that focus on developing their countries so
that they will be able to be better from other countries. In this context, government play vital role
in which they get to understand the issues that are faced within the countries. As per the findings,
they develop strategies so that they get to overcome the problems (Jackson and Sørensen, 2015 ).
With this respect, some of the issues includes poverty, unemployment, corruption, etc. In
accordance with the current essay, it aims at identifying the theories that are included in develop
international relationship. Further, the realist-ism that are being followed by countries for each of
the theories that are followed.
CRITICAL THEORY :-
This theory is considered as a broader approach towards destabilization and challenging
of the knowledge which has been established already. It lays emphasis upon the procedure of
doing reflective type of assessment and also doing the critique of established societies by aid of
applying the knowledge. It is helpful in providing normative as well as descriptive basis in doing
the social enquiry (Baylis, Owens and Smith, 2017). These further aim towards decrease the
domination and ensure the enhancement of freedom in all the forms under this. The level with
which emancipation of humans is seek out determines critical-nature of theory. As per the
critical theorists, poles of philosophy and social-sciences are effectively combined by aid of
social-inquiry. With this, such individuals are able to think in a more practical way. The
adequateness of critical theory is determined by three main criteria. First one is that it needs to be
explanatory. It should also support the practical ideology. Third one is that critical theory has to
be normative as well. All these 3 criteria have to be met at one time.
REALISTS :-
Contextualising upon realists, such people tend to accept the situation in which they are
placed the way it is and are always ready for dealing with it. Such individuals lay their focus
upon making use of past-events instead of emphasizing hopeful-feelings or predictable future.
The unconscious bias does not sway realists and neither do the idealistic-aims. According to
them the truth should not be unvarnished and it should remain in the way it is. They are headed
in clear and straightforward direction and are also non-judgemental. A higher level of perception
is possessed within them. They mode of seeking out the diversified occurring things is by aid of
primary actions performed. The meaning of the undertaken action doesn't seem to be more

important than the occurring bare-event. These people are found to tell stories about the things
that have occurred to them. However, it is not at all necessary that the story has a meaningful
point (Clark and Neumann, 2016). Adding more to the realists, a high level of concern is shown
by them towards the behaviour depicted by other individuals. They are also conventional
category people which are always confirming the social norms & institutions. The inclusion of
key element that is perception makes this a positive pillar since things are commanded in their
actual way. However, with positive, comes the negative and in this particular case, supposition
becomes the negative-pole. Coming upon a precise conclusion tends to be a difficult task for
such people and this usually tends to be the basis of their further building. So, the last thing
which these people tend to depict is the act of showing disrespect towards other individuals.
Overall, struggling nature is shown by them during the process of making decisions.
Post structural feminism can be determined to be the branch of feminism that is engaged
with insight from the thoughts of post structuralist. This plays an important contribution for the
women and men and it also enables to identify intersectionality of race, class, nationality,
ethnicity, etc. (Nahavandi, 2016 ). These are done in order to make sure that there is proper
interest maintained for the people and they will be able to develop healthy society but this is not
applied in most of the cases and they face serious issues for women or men.
Neorealism Theory
Neorealism is a type of theory that deals with international relations. It is generally
linked with Kenneth Waltz. His book presents various patterns defining behaviour of sate and its
interaction and communication with international system . This theory generally presents
assumptions explaining how states are assumed to behave (Belinfante, 2014). Similar to various
other theories, it has also failed to explain various things. This theory basically constitutes the
biggest problems associated with past, present and future in contrast to maintain international
relations. It involves war and ways how to avoid it so that they do not occur in the future ,
seeking power, states that becomes unstable and disappear. It also involves competitions related
to security and group formations.
Neorealism is not able to take into considerations all the specified concerns and issues
that occurred in war or in its avoidance. For example, if somebody wants to know the reason
behind invading of Iraq in the year 2003 by United States, or if other wants answer of end of cold
war, then this theory is inadequate for every task (Barkin, 2015 ). The theory does not present

realistic approach which are required in dealing with international relations because every
country varies in terms of its economy and income generation, their culture and values, therefore,
same theory could not be apply on every case . Practical considerations and analysis of the
events are required.
Neorealists have given justifications for it and claimed that this neorealism is always
natural and is needed at the start point of events of developments which illustrates serious issues
of politics going on internationally. It also referred as structural realism that has significance of
effects of the structures of the system which is international. Waltz' s concept explained two
main things related to international system:
Firstly, international systems that orders principles are known as anarchy. According to
this, there no big things like world government and higher authorities except main unit which is
already existing in the system that is states (Drezner, 2014). It results into formation of system
which is basically a self help system that comprises states which are autonomous and their
functionality and working operations are different . All the units of the system are similar to each
other in regard of their performance and functions, primary objectives and goals, tasks and issues
they face and ways acquired to accomplish the task.
Secondly, structural realism involves distribution of capabilities among various units
which are inhabiting the central system. Power varies between states because of different
structures and their functionalities. These two assumptions build pool table.
The neorealism is a type of international-relations theory which states about the
importance of having power in maintaining the international relations. According to it power is a
must in order for effective maintenance of international relations. This proved out to be a
departure of ideological-nature from the classical realism theory. The classical realism stated that
nature of humans is the key parameter involved in international politics ( Cavusgil, Knight and
Rose, 2014 ). Opposing this the neo-realist thinkers stated that certain structural constraints are
responsible for determining an individual's behaviour in international relations.
Contextualising more on structural constraints, international-structure gets evaluated or
determined by the anarchy and also by equally distributing the capabilities. This measurement of
capabilities is done my measuring the total number of existing greater-powers present in the
international-system. However, no such formal type of authority is there. Moreover, each of the

sovereign-state holds an equal opportunity within the system. States are often found to seek out
their interests. They at no condition tend to subordinate the interests of other states.
For pursuing own set of goals states are found to be present at minimum for assuring
own-survival . This is primary factor that drives their behaviour for developing the military-
capabilities which are offensive as a means of enhancing their relative-powers. Also, adding
more to this, often there is a lack of trust in between states that has to effectively assessed. This
assessment needs is usually against relative power losses that proves out to be a threat for
surviving. This uncertainty in trust, accounts to be known as security dilemma.
The distribution of power usually gets divided according to the position of the state.
According to the assigned position of the state, their capabilities are distributed. As a result, the
cooperation among individual states is limited in terms of lacking trust (Lall, 2016). This
happens because one state is found to be fearful from the gains in relative-terms earned by other
one. So, overall, the main desire of gaining more & more power puts a constraint upon the
opportunities of both the states. So, this assists in balancing the power among states thereby
maintaining the international-relations among the two states. Also, another type of dilemma that
is security-dilemma is faced by states. However, to assess all these, external and internal
balancing methods are utilised by the states. As per the internal-balancing, spending upon
military-section is increased for economic growth. And according to external-balancing,
powerful alliances are supported for checking the power.
As per the realist thought, for assuring security, structure of international-relation needs
to be assessed as stated by neorealists. On the other hand, defensive-realism and offensive-
realism is the key approach to be followed.

International relations theory and Noe-liberalism
The idea of it was developed in the year 1980's to 2000. The policies was adopted after
the Ronald Reagan and was mostly promoted by the American Governments. This are the
methods which are required to achieve absolute grains rather than being relative. It was the
resultant which was provided in terms of neorealism. These are the ideas which are doesn't deals
with the real conditions. It helps to maintain the competition with the other countries where
motivation factors is incentives. The action of getting interacted between the countries are made
through the win situation.
Globalization is the important aspects which can be seen as example of it. It is the place
where market based economies are being accepted (Wild, Wild and Han, 2014 ). For illustration,
European union is the best example where it is followed but its opposite Spain and Ireland where
relationship are not maintained. Moreover, countries relationship of India and Russia is the
another example of it.
Another aspect can be seen in the news report where government alliance where in major
trouble which defines that they are having the poor structural. Pinochet in Chile have installed
this policies, they have democratically selected president have continued the service and able to
gain the advantages of social welfare.
Marxism and Critical Theory
In the international market there are several kinds of theories and approaches involved
which lead to support two countries in order to make relations. With the help of theories
governments of the two nations or countries make relationships and create or generate different
opportunities. Among several theories Marxism is one of the highly significant approach of
international which supports to the nations in order to establish relationships. This theory is
based on the structures as well as diagrams which are supportive for the government to making
relations in effectual ways (Dinesh, 2016). The theory states those views and concepts of the two
nations by which conflicts and disputes arises. When the factors are identified of arising disputes
then Marxism theory supports to resolve conflicts and make cooperation.
In contrary to this international theory it can be criticised that, Marxism not focusing on
basic two elements like economic as well as materials. For each and every nation or country
there are economic condition plays highly important place because it supports in order to make

relationships with other countries. Moreover, if economic conditions as well as growth rate of
one nation is not better and increasing then other country will not ready to make relations with
that nation (Marxism (International Relations), 2016). On the other hand side, higher as well as
growing condition or situation of one economy lead to attract other nation in order to establish
international relations. In every country of the world economy plays highly significant too in
which very basic reason is that it is sign of giving development conditions of the nation in world
economy. Along with this, it can be criticised that ignoring material elements is also one of the
highly negative point of the Marxism theory. Hence, due to ignoring basic concept of nation like
economy it can be said that the selected international theory cannot applicable in the reality. The
reason for not applicable is that growing or developing condition of nation always based on the
economic situation of the country.

'SHOULD ONE BE REALISTS RATHER THAN CRITICAL THEORISTS ?'
Choosing to be either a realist or critical theorist is crucial since both depict two
contrasting aspects. As per the critical theorists, every situation is treated in a more practical way
(Burchill, Linklater and True, 2013 ). To deal in the practical manner the knowledge that comes
into action for being utilised is from the existing social systems which are inquired. This
inquiring assists in getting an idea about the necessary facts and figures. However, coming upon
realists, they are rather adjustable in every situation Such people accept the situation in the way it
is. So, they tend to be more realistic about the environment in which they stand. However, such
individuals are often found to think too deep about the situation in which they are placed. So,
often they are indulged in thinking negative perspectives as well. The formulating of
assumptions in every situation faced makes them more prone towards the category of
supposition. Instead of enhancing self such people tend to attain accuracy. And in this process
coming towards a conclusion often becomes a crucial task.
If an individual is an critical theorist then their formulated perceptions are self disciplined
and self-monitored as well. So, they often are found to do social inquiry for building up the
concepts. Henceforth, their way of thinking is more practical which is suitable in some situations
where formulating presumptions would be rather helpful based upon the practical implications.
However, in the process of analysing the situation in deep, huge gaps are found out which further
mould the inquiry process in negative aspect (Theories of international relations, 2017). And this
overthinking often causes a greater involvement of confusion rather than coming up to a clear
solution towards a problem.
Overall, to finally assess the question asked, it could be said that one must be both a
realist and critical theorist as well. Individuals need to possess characteristics of both categories.
This means that they need to be practical about the situation but also not think upon the same in
extensive manner (International relations theory, 2017 ). And the situation should be readily
accepted instead of formulating confusions to come to an appropriate conclusion. In order for
coming towards conclusion in particular situations, practical approach needs to be followed.

REFERENCES
Books and Journal
Jackson, R. and Sørensen, G., 2015. Introduction to international relations: theories and
approaches. Oxford university press.
Baylis, J., Owens, P. and Smith, S. eds., 2017. The globalization of world politics: An
introduction to international relations. Oxford University Press.
Nahavandi, A., 2016. The Art and Science of Leadership -Global Edition. Pearson.
Burchill, S., Linklater, A. and True, J., 2013. Theories of international relations. Palgrave
Macmillan.
Belinfante, F. J., 2014. A Survey of Hidden-Variables Theories: International Series of
Monographs in Natural Philosophy (Vol. 55). Elsevier.
Barkin, J., 2015. International organization: theories and institutions. Springer.
Drezner, D. W., 2014. Theories of International Politics and Zombies: Revived Edition.
Princeton University Press.
Cavusgil, S. T., Knight, G. and Rose, E. L., 2014. International business. Pearson Australia.
Lall, S., 2016. Developing countries in the international economy: Selected papers. Springer.
Clark, I. and Neumann, I. B. eds., 2016. Classical theories of international relations. Springer.
Wild, J. J., Wild, K. L. and Han, J. C., 2014. International business. Pearson Education Limited.
Online
Theories of international relations, 2017. [Online]. Available through :<
http://www.sparknotes.com/us-government-and-politics/political-science/international-
politics/section2.rhtml>. [Accessed on 30th June 2017] .
International relations theory, 2017. [Online]. Available through:<
http://www.e-ir.info/2017/01/09/international-relations-theory/>. [Accessed on 30th June
2017] .

Marxism (International Relations), 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<http://internationalrelations.org/marxism-international-relations/> [Accessed on 30th June
2017].
Dinesh, 2016. Marxian Approach to International Relations: Features & Elements. [Online].
Available through: <http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/international-politics/marxian-
approach-to-international-relations-features-elements/48474/> [Accessed on 30th June
2017].