Key Theories in International Relations: Realism & Institutionalism

Unit 1: Principle Theories

1. Realism

The international system is defined by the absence of a central authority (Anarchy).

• States are sovereign and autonomous of each other.
• There is no structure or society to order state relations.
• State power is the key variable of interest. It emphasizes the distribution of coercive material capacity as the determinant of international politics.

Realism Assumptions:

• Survival: The principal goal of every State.
• Rationality: States are rational actors.
• Military Capacity: States should possess military capacity.
• Great Powers: States with economic and military influence are decisive.

2. Institutionalism

It relies on the idea of cooperation between States.

Cooperation may be a rational, self-interested strategy for countries to pursue under certain conditions.

Institutions, defined as a set of rules, norms, practices, and decision-making procedures that shape expectations, can overcome the uncertainty that undermines cooperation.

Institutionalism Assumptions:

• Rational Choice: Utility-maximizing individuals, acting out of self-interest, are central actors in the political process. Institutions emerge as a result of their interdependence, strategic interaction, and collective action or contracting dilemmas between them.
• Historical Institutionalism: The interaction between States is the result of an institutionalization process over more than three centuries.
• Normative Institutionalism: The principal focus of normative institutionalism is on the ways institutions constrain individual choice. Norms and practices are the results of this institutionalization.

The Influence of International Organizations on International Relations

International Regime: It is defined as principles, norms, rules, and decision-making procedures around which actor expectations converge in a given issue-area. It is the framework that governs the members of international society.

The international regime performs the valuable functions of reducing the costs of legitimate transactions, while increasing the costs of illegitimate ones, and of reducing uncertainty.

An international regime is effective:

1. To the extent that its members abide by its norms and rules.
2. To the extent it achieves its objectives.
3. To the extent it offers a stable structure to international relations or foreign affairs.