34.4.3 Realism vs. Liberalism: Explaining Recent Global Developments (since 2000)

Introduction

Realism: Explaining Recent Developments

1. Rise of China and Power Politics

• South China Sea Disputes: China's assertive actions in the South China Sea, including the militarization of artificial islands, reflect the realist emphasis on territorial control and power projection. Realists see this as a strategic move by China to secure its national interests and challenge U.S. influence in the region.

2. The War on Terror and Military Intervention

• Realist Perspective: The U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003) are often explained through a realist lens as actions taken to protect national security and assert U.S. power in the Middle East. Realists argue that these interventions were driven by the desire to eliminate perceived threats (e.g., terrorism, weapons of mass destruction) and to maintain U.S. dominance in a strategically important region.
• Security Dilemma: The ongoing conflicts and instability in the Middle East can be seen as a manifestation of the security dilemma, where U.S. military actions have led to increased tensions and insecurity, both in the region and globally.

3. Resurgence of Nationalism and Populism

• Realist Perspective: The rise of nationalism and populism in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe reflects realist themes of state sovereignty and national interest. Movements like Brexit and the election of Donald Trump are seen as reactions against globalization and multilateralism, with states reasserting control over their own affairs and prioritizing domestic concerns over international cooperation.

4. Russia's Aggression and Geopolitical Rivalry

• Realist Perspective: Russia's actions in Crimea (2014) and its involvement in the Syrian Civil War are viewed by realists as examples of power politics. Russia's annexation of Crimea is seen as an effort to secure strategic interests and project power in its near abroad, while its support for the Assad regime in Syria is interpreted as a move to maintain influence in the Middle East and challenge Western dominance.

Liberalism: Explaining Recent Developments

1. Globalization and Economic Interdependence

• Liberal Perspective: Despite challenges, globalization and economic interdependence have continued to shape international relations since 2000. The expansion of global trade, investment, and technology has created a complex web of interdependencies that liberals argue reduces the likelihood of major conflicts. The European Union, for example, remains a significant example of economic integration and liberal cooperation.
• Complex Interdependence: Joseph Nye's theory of complex interdependence highlights how economic ties and globalization create mutual dependencies that can mitigate conflict. For instance, the strong economic relationship between the U.S. and China, despite political tensions, is seen as a stabilizing factor in their bilateral relations.

2. International Institutions and Multilateralism

• Liberal Perspective: The continued role of international institutions like the United Nations, World Trade Organization (WTO), and International Monetary Fund (IMF) reflects liberal ideals of cooperation and multilateralism. While these institutions have faced criticism and challenges, they remain central to global governance, facilitating dialogue, resolving disputes, and promoting international norms.
• Paris Agreement (2015): The Paris Agreement on climate change is a key example of liberal cooperation, where nearly all countries agreed to work together to address global environmental challenges. This agreement demonstrates how international institutions can bring states together to tackle common issues despite the anarchic nature of the international system.

3. The Spread of Democracy and Human Rights

• Liberal Perspective: The spread of democracy and the promotion of human rights are central tenets of liberalism. Although the "third wave" of democratization has slowed, efforts to support democratic transitions and uphold human rights continue to be significant in international relations. The Arab Spring (2011), for example, was initially seen as a wave of democratization in the Middle East and North Africa, though its outcomes have been mixed.
• Democratic Peace Theory: The liberal idea that democracies are less likely to go to war with each other continues to influence U.S. and European foreign policies, which often promote democracy as a means of achieving long-term peace and stability.

4. Soft Power and Norms

• Liberal Perspective: The concept of soft power, popularized by Joseph Nye, remains relevant in explaining how states influence others through cultural appeal, diplomacy, and international norms. For example, the European Union's influence on neighbouring countries through its normative power—promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law—illustrates how soft power complements traditional military and economic power.

5. Response to Global Challenges

• Liberal Perspective: Global challenges such as climate change, pandemics (e.g., COVID-19), and international terrorism have reinforced the need for cooperative responses. Liberals argue that these issues cannot be effectively addressed by individual states acting alone and require coordinated efforts through international institutions and agreements.

Conclusion: Realism vs. Liberalism in Recent Global Politics

• Realism: Realism continues to explain many developments in global politics, particularly in areas involving power struggles, military interventions, and the resurgence of nationalism. The realist focus on state sovereignty, national interest, and the security dilemma remains highly relevant in understanding state behaviour in an anarchic international system.
• Liberalism: Despite the enduring relevance of realism, liberalism also provides valuable insights, especially in the context of globalization, economic interdependence, and the role of international institutions. Liberalism explains how norms, institutions, and cooperation have persisted and even thrived in certain areas, offering a counterpoint to the realist emphasis on conflict and competition.