Conceptual Approaches to International Relations
| Concept | Realism | Liberalism | Marxism |
| Variants on the Theory | Neorealism, Mercantilism (in IPE) | Neoliberalism, Idealism, Neoinstitutionalism | NeoMarxism, Dependencia Theory, World Systems Theory |
| Basic Premise of the Theory | International relations are dominated by states who act in their self-interest | International relations benefit from cooperation among multiple actors | International relations are structured and dictated by classes struggling for economic control |
| Political Philosophers Influencing Paradigms | Thomas Hobbes, Hans Morganthau | Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Woodrow Wilson | Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels, V.I. Lenin |
| Basic Tenets | 1) States
are the primary actors 2) States are unitary, rational actors 3) Relations are zero-sum 4) Relations are power struggles 5) National interest drives relations |
1)
Multiple actors matter 2) Relations can be positive sum 3) Relations are based on more than just power struggles 4) Zero-sum relations benefit the wealthy |
1)
Relations are system based, zero-sum where the rich oppress the poor 2) Relations are based on class struggle 3) Capitalism is the primary mode of production 4) Relations are driven by economic factors 5) States and international organizations are tools of the oppressor |
| Primary Actor(s) | Self-interested states | States, IGOs, NGOs, MNCs | Owners of capital |
| Primary Motivation for Relations | Self-help in chaotic system | Cooperative, collaborative | Exploitative |
| View on Human Nature | Pessimistic | Optimistic | Pessimistic |
| View on the International System | States in chaotic, competitive system | Cooperation is beneficial to the greatest number of people | System structure perpetuates disparities between rich and poor |
| Ultimate Goal in Relations | Stability and self-preservation | Cooperation for mutual benefit | Amass more wealth (for wealthy) or revolution (for poor) |