International Relations - Essay Example

We may often wonder why some nations cooperate with each other while other nations go to war. The answer lies in analysis and the application of theories of political science and international relations. In this manner, theory can guide in the analysis and application of a basis for explaining current scenarios and unfolding realities. The present political scenario in Egypt and other parts of the Middle East is rather fluid and in a state of flux. As long established autocratic regimes break up and expose the cruel games of their despotic rulers, the era of the political strongman seems to be at a close.

Saddam has already met his end. America cannot afford to look the other way any longer. The time is right for change and the writing is on the wall for Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Libya and a slew of other Axis of Evil nations that seek to perpetuate their regimes through suppression of dissent and oppression of the native people, many of whom do not even know their political rights- and are much less allowed to express their true feelings. Change took thirty years to come about in Egypt, but the people paid the price for their freedom.

The Structural Theorist Perspective & Core Assumptions Supporters of the structural theorist perspective are of the view that changes and political upheaval is brought on by the structures or institutions that are in place in a particular region. A structural theorist like Mary would seek to explain the recent changes in Egypt by using as her basis of argument characteristics associated with the system. She would be inclined to discount the value of state players. The structural theorist believes that the inherent nature of the international system is hierarchical or anarchical.

Power distribution between states might be uni-polar, bi-polar or multi-polar. The system structure determines the goal of states whether it is security or wealth accumulation. At any given time there is a certain degree of uncertainty surrounding relations between states. Comments about what should happen in Egypt now have come from Barrack Obama of the USA, David Cameron of the UK (he even made a visit to Egypt after Mubarak’s ouster and mingled with people at Tahrir Square after talking to the key general of the Armed Forces to bring about a change according to people’s expectations) and Germany’s Angela Merkel- so clearly these G20 leaders are keenly interested in Egypt’s fortunes and its implications for the future international relations and policy.

The Social Theorist Perspective & Core Assumptions Supporters of the social theorist perspective are of the view that changes and political upheaval is brought on by the different classes of society or institutions that are in place in a particular region. A social theorist like Tom would point out to the rot in the system initiated and maintained by Hosni Mubarak for thirty years- and the creation of different classes of people in society that fought each other as they vied for power, wealth and prosperity.

So here we would have the grounds for debate between the structural theorist and the social theorist. Mary would point out that the final impetus for change was pushed through by comments from Obama, Cameron and other world leaders. It was only