Paradigms and International Relations
PARADIGMS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
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PARADIGMS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Abstract In this essay I will discuss the aspects of being a Realist, and Idealist, as well as discuss the
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meaning of ecological paradigms. There are many assumptions as to what it means to be a realist or an idealist, and while there is always a different meaning to something for someone else, I will do my best to try to eliminate any question as to what realists, idealists, and ecological paradigms mostly stand for. I will then discuss which one of these I prefer as a citizen of the United States and how I believe that things truly are when comparing to my life experiences. This will lead into my ideals on international affairs today and the combination of those and the paradigms discussed. Lastly, I will discuss three important principle differences between realists and idealists and their approaches to international relations.
PARADIGMS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Paradigms and International Relations In our textbook, World Politics In The 21st Century, it defines Political Realism as a “philosophical position that assumes that human beings are imperfect and possess an innate desire for power”. (Duncan,Webster,Switky, p. 33) I do believe that it does not matter what it is you are asking to be defined, the definition is always going to depend on who you are asking. Every individual as a unique point of view which might just be a slightly different perspective than the man next to him. This assumption that all people are naturally going to behave badly many people have frowned upon and stated that this type of negative outlook is only going to
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feed into the negative behavior that might be of question. Realists have often been said to have a more cynical view on life than an idealist. But when talking to a realist, they are going to explain to you that there is nothing crazy about accepting the truth of the matter. Everyone needs a little dose of reality
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PARADIGMS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Abstract In this essay I will discuss the aspects of being a Realist, and Idealist, as well as discuss the
2
meaning of ecological paradigms. There are many assumptions as to what it means to be a realist or an idealist, and while there is always a different meaning to something for someone else, I will do my best to try to eliminate any question as to what realists, idealists, and ecological paradigms mostly stand for. I will then discuss which one of these I prefer as a citizen of the United States and how I believe that things truly are when comparing to my life experiences. This will lead into my ideals on international affairs today and the combination of those and the paradigms discussed. Lastly, I will discuss three important principle differences between realists and idealists and their approaches to international relations.
PARADIGMS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Paradigms and International Relations In our textbook, World Politics In The 21st Century, it defines Political Realism as a “philosophical position that assumes that human beings are imperfect and possess an innate desire for power”. (Duncan,Webster,Switky, p. 33) I do believe that it does not matter what it is you are asking to be defined, the definition is always going to depend on who you are asking. Every individual as a unique point of view which might just be a slightly different perspective than the man next to him. This assumption that all people are naturally going to behave badly many people have frowned upon and stated that this type of negative outlook is only going to
3
feed into the negative behavior that might be of question. Realists have often been said to have a more cynical view on life than an idealist. But when talking to a realist, they are going to explain to you that there is nothing crazy about accepting the truth of the matter. Everyone needs a little dose of reality
Bibliography: "Theory Talks." : #52: Iver Neumann. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2013. "International Relations:." International Relations:. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. Duncan, W. Raymond, Barbara Jancar-Webster, and Bob Switky. World Politics in the 21st Century. New York: Pearson Longman, 2004. Print.