Comparing Realist and Idealist Approaches in International Politics

Abstract

Instructor’s Name Comparative politics is a tool that explores politics within different countries over a vast range of issues and topics. The preference of study of the countries varies with different researchers in the areas of study. It focuses on the structure, functioning, and development of the state. Researchers study the various countries, regions, global country comparisons, functioning within one particular state or two different countries, and thematic studies. Comparative politics is broad, and scholars can take different dimensions in their comparisons. Idealism/ Liberalism and Realism are two international views of politics embraced differently by the various states around the globe. The approaches have been used by the United States in World War 1 and Word war 2 and applied to various actions in the aftermath of the wars. Realism stresses the competitive and conflictual dimension, while Liberalism/Idealism emphasizes cooperation and optimistic deals. Realists focus on nation-state interests against moral concerns due to their pragmatic influence in upholding wars to settle issues. It employs force to promote a balance of power in the decentralized system. National power is often defined by military, economic, political, diplomatic, and cultural resources. According to a realist, the natural tendency to increase force must be purchased with the use of force. Realist politics is still prominent in the United States today, revealing the real picture of world politics. Idealism/Liberalism approaches effectively protect national interests compared to the realist perspective. The realist approach has perpetrated chaos and self-interests by the United States in nations such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The United States Invaded Iraq in the pretense that the nation possessed dangerous weapons that caused mass destruction. A United Kingdom Prime minister later revealed that the main target was Sadam Hussein; he was being targeted for gaining brutal...