Question 1
Realism and Liberalism are rational and based on the idea that human beings make decisions wisely considering every option they have. However, they still differ in many aspects. Realism is a conservative and pessimistic philosophy, with this pessimism deriving from skepticism regarding human capacity to act without selfishness. This means that Realism concentrates on survival instead of progress, as it seems impossible for the state. Liberalism has more optimism in its views. It believes that men are good and can cooperate in order to move towards progress. At the same time, they care about survival. Therefore, it is more progressive, as there is a goal that can be reached by cooperation and common efforts.
The United States foreign policy reflects both of these directions. The U.S. keeps being conservative in everything that may have relation to its national interests, acting selfishly when it comes to its national security. At the same time, the country encourages cooperation among people, which is aimed at reaching common goals. Liberalism is closer to the strategy of the U.S. because people are not focused on surviving too much. Instead, they think about progress and new achievements for them personally as well as for their country (“Realism and Liberalism: Similarities and Differences”).
Question 2
There are six principles of Realism as suggested by Morgenthau. All together they establish the basement of political realism. They are the following:
Politics is governed by Objective Laws which have roots Human Nature;
This implies that society can be improved only after understanding how it lives and what laws it has.
National Interest is defined in terms of National Power;
Motives should be evaluated in terms of influence and power that a state has.
Interest is always Dynamic;
As national power changes, interests also transform that shows their dynamic character.
Abstract Moral Principles cannot be applied to Politics;
Moral principles are important for realism, but they must be real to be followed.
Difference between Moral Aspirations of a Nation and the Universal Moral Principles;
Realism refuses to admit that moral aspirations of a nation are the same as those of the universe.
Autonomy of International Politics (“Morgenthau’s Realist Theory (6 principles)”)
Political sphere should be conceived as autonomic.
The main difference between defensive and offensive realism is based in the way they see aggression. Offensive realism encourages a state to have offensive strategy as anarchism causes insecurity. Only by being stronger, the state can be secure. Defensive realism intends the state of anarchy and includes direct aggression as a tool for providing security.
Works Cited
“Realism and Liberalism: Similarities and Differences.” Global Political Studies. Global Political Studies, n.d. http://globalpoliticalstudies.com/realism-and-liberalism-similarities-and-differences/
“Morgenthau’s Realist Theory (6 principles).” Global Political Studies. Global Political Studies, n.d. http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/international-politics/morgenthaus-realist-theory-6-principles/48472/
