Contemporary Realism and Liberalism
Number of pages:
6
ABSTRACT:
This is a 6 page paper comparing contemporary realism and liberalism. Contemporary realism and liberalism are basically conflicting political ideals but aspects of each are encountered in the modern day political arena. Realism is based on the understanding that protection and self-interests of the nation state should be the dominant feature in political decisions, justice, and human interests regardless of moral considerations. Liberalism, on the other hand, bases its idealism on the philosophy that man and thought are universal and the consideration of international law, human rights and democratic peace based on moral considerations are the most important factors in regards to matter of the nation. Obviously the conflicts between the two have been prominent in the course of history. Hobbes believed that wars will always occur between nations because of the realism that man as an animal is always self preserving. Anarchy can only be controlled by the administration of a strong leader from the realist point of view. Liberalism however believes that international law and justice can be attained by moral considerations and man’s overlapping consensus of human rights. In today’s world, democracy is spreading since the end of the Cold War. This democracy is seen as a reason to support other countries who have taken on the liberal philosophy from the liberalism point of view. The spread of democracy and those countries who have claimed to be democratic is only useful if it results in betterment of the state from the realism point of view.
Bibliography lists 6 sources.
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