realism v liberalism

HUMAN NATURE
REALISM
pessimistic about human nature - fixed - driven by want for power 

states reflect human nature - cooperation unlikely but rivalry + conflict inevitable 

LIBERALISM

optimistic- self-interested but guided by reason- states use reason not force and enforce cooperation, not conflict 

moral element of human + state behaviour 

POWER
REALISM
survival is the main aim of the state- must seek power to protect itself 

realist approach focuses on hard power- military power being the most important in a self-help system 

LIBERALISM
military power has become less reliable - focus on the rise of soft power 

emergence of international organisations, economic globalisation + spread of democracy- reduce likelihood of conflict- military power in decline 

ORDER etc

REALISM

international anarchy is the constant of the international system, not war- balance of power is key 

global hegemon…