International Relations: Analysis of Realist Theory - Essay Example

? Realist Theory Introduction In the study of international relations, major realist theories have beenused. Between the notable include the balance of power theory which has been used in many instances to portray and explain the nature of the patterns of war and peace between nations for many years. The phrase which is actually practicable is used in many phenomenon than any other theory as a principal of explaining the functioning in the international system and community. Whichever the meaning, the term infers that at one point power is distributed between the states to create an equilibrium state. The theory infers that the system is continually changing to create adjustments to nations such that new systems are created or older are being restored. Therefore, the balance of power theory involves a specific power distribution between states of a system such that no single nation has too much or less of the other . This paper analyses this context and provides a historic case outlay on the application of this theory, the implications of the test results for the case and identifies if the theory is applicable to the case (Marshall, 1970). Over the years, the term balance of power has been used in different areas of history, politics and science each bringing foreword a different meaning from the other. This is due to the difference in the meanings that are portrayed by various states on the term power. To some, power means the use of political force, the superiority of economy or diplomatic coercion to create a desirable outcome by a state. To others, power refers to the ability of a state to impose its will on another despite the resistance raised while others view this concept as the ability of a state to influence the behavior of one or more states through policy implementation (Stanley & Fidler, 1991). The paper seeks to compare and contrast two segments on balance of power relating to the classical and the modern era of political thought which forms the major variable. The balance of power theory is used to illustrate different cases with the major being the Persian Gulf War . Here, the U.S is unwilling to destroy and entirely dismember Iraq due to the balance of power concept which prevented the interruption of the powers of the Middle East. The two concepts raised in the theory is effective in understanding the conduct of international relations and preservation of the international nations system. My conclusion about the performance of the theory here is that it is effective in analyzing the case and that it gives a clear basis on relations amongst states. The theory has a great performance in the case as it infers the effectiveness of balancing power and how this theory is applied in solving international disputes. The theory independent variables relate to issues that constitute a state such as power, balance and sovereignty that enables a state to be independent while the dependent variables are the states and the relations based on the theories. Others may relate to the classical and modern views of politics which are harmonized by the realism concept. The link among the two variables are that they both belong with the realism school of thought. In the classical view, states are created to prevent war. It claims that the society despite the corruption shelters men from harm but only if it is established and enforced in law (Stanley & Fidler, 1991). A democratic government established though the power of the people are perceived to be legitimate . Based on this concept, the function of the government is to implement the laws formulated, promote patriotism through education and promote wealth distribution to enhance cohesion (Micheal, 2000). The classical concept maintains that the balance of power prevents nations from breaking apart . The balance ensures that no particular state or an alliance of nations is allowed by unwritten laws to obtain more power, such that it overwhelms the rest and that this balance is independent. The modern era of politics speculates that man is malleable and no amount of education, reform or system design can deter states from seeking to increase their power. This is the major argument of the realism thought that shows that the pursuance of national power is rationale and inevitable and often leads to war.It is this quest for power on the part of several nations that require the balance of power (Marshall, 1970).This power generates many advantages such as the moderating approach where nations are refrained from embarking on the war that would eliminate other states. The balancer or holder acts as a check the equilibrium and can result from the control of a sovereign state, over others and create an empire which results in the loss of autonomy of other states. Application of theory to case and assessment of evidence Persian Gulf could not maintain stability and security in the middle east based on balance of power on political security arrangements. This type of balance of power was based on the win-lose game and also the rise of the power of their rivals. As per today it is only Iran and united nations who are in a position to put up political- security coalitions and carry out military operations (Paul, 2004).Balance of power amongst the united states and in the Arab region is the main assurance of stability and security in the Persian gulf area. Traditionally, the security and stability were provided by the Iran and Iraq, though it favored the interest of foreigners mostly (Stanley & Fidler, 1991). Due to failure of these two countries (Iran and Iraq) to create a new type of balance of power, united states intervened to play the role in this region but its effort to reduce the Irans role generated a security dilemma. There three ways or criteria which are to be followed by the united states to avoid actor supremacy in the Persian region. This is because of the long term historic presence of the united states in the Persian region. According to this outlook of balance of power may be carried out through the following ways: Maintenance of a direct U.S. presence in the region - Reliance on this tactics has led to the creation of new dilemma between the Iran and United states, this is due to persistence in balancing of power. However this tactics has not been successful (Paul, 2004). Withdrawal of American forces, leaving security affairs to regional states - This tactics was organized by the US and it was known as the twin-pillar policy, Saudi Arabia and Iran controlled the financial and military pillars to enhance stability. Establishment of a new balance of power - The united states because they are not ready to withdraw from Persian regions the only left option was to encourage a balance of power this because they are not in a position to control the region themselves. It is not right policy but it will serve as the best alternative (Paul, 2004). The American wars which have been taking place on the Persian gulf has led to a change of the nature of power, threats,security, roles of the actors and the politics. For example the Iran has greatly been influenced by the Hezbollah`s war victory with the Israel in 2006. Conclusion As per the foregoing findings it is clear Rousseau and Morgenthau had the same concepts of the balance of power although they had differences on their analysis on perfection and the nature of a man, however, it was an essential task in the long term stabilization of the systems in the international states. They both believed that for a sovereign state, the balance of power was inviolable, enduring, and to attain the best it could be changed temporarily by the international agreements and alliances (Stanley & Fidler, 1991). Due to this source both continued to be skeptical of communal security measures and the efforts of diplomats in injecting phraseology ideas into advertisement agreement that encouraged the maintenance of security and peace. They also looked at the balance of power as an important system of maintaining international order evens if there was provoking of a certain percentage of insecurity and instability. Lastly, both came up with an agreement that the balance of power lead to a definite mechanism that gave details on the criteria on how the power was to be shared in among and between its political entities or sovereign states. They are both a good example of the balance of power that ruled the dominant standard in international relations. There are some anomalies in the historic record of this theory of balance of power. One it lacks definitional accuracy. This theory has been used differently and it has had different meaning to political scientists, statesmen and historians. All this contradiction and confusion in its usage its brought by lack of standardization with an orientation to notions of power. Some people think that power is not an exact thing but it is the capability of a certain political unit to impose it on another despite the resistance. The final criticism is that there exists a little or no agreement on their way powers are conceived. All this bring what is known as semantic confusion with the regard to evaluation of power (Michael, 2000). References Marshall, B. (1970). The Politics of Authenticity: Radical Individualism and the Emergence of Modern Society. New York: Atheneum Press. Paul, T. (2004). The International System and Regional Balance in the Middle East, in Balance of Power: Theory and Practice in the 21st Century. California: Stanford University Press. Michael, S. (2000). The Balance of Power: History and Theory. London: Routledge. Stanley, H. & Fidler, D. (1991). Rousseau on International Relations. Oxford: Clarendon Press. Read More