Realism, Liberalism and Feminism - Essay Example

Question: Looking at realism, liberalism, and feminism, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Introduction The theory of realism is based on different assumptions. There are two competing branches of realism based on the assumptions about the behavior of the state, one is the neorealist theory of Kenneth Waltz and another is postclassical realism, which is not similar to Waltz neorealist theory. The impact of the theory of realism crosses the threshold to enter the non-realist theories such as liberalism, another political theory based on the positive human values such as the right to freedom, favoring democratic rights.

So far an exchange between the two theories has not been fruitful because the neorealist theory stresses with sureness that such an interaction would be a useless exercise. Feminism, on the other hand, is a very complicated political theory, a branch of Critical Social Theory, As per the neorealist theory, the chances of conflict give directions to actions while the post-classical realism sponsors assessment of chances of confrontation on security issues among states. The three primary hypotheses of the neorealist theory are 1) recurrent equilibrium behavior, 2) states not coming forward for cooperative relations, and 3) states compete to remain on equal footing (Brooks 1997).

Assuming worst-case chances of confrontations on the basis of neorealist theory provides benefits in approximating global decision making. Actually, states are projected productively in such away. So the assumptions on the behavior of states become useful in throwing light on swapping of various aspects of human nature, aggression, and fear. States get focused to achieve their short-term goal of making their defense line strong. Disadvantage occurs in long-term negative impacts on states’ other preferences.

Long-term goals become secondary to short-term defense needs in a conflict (Brooks 1997). Neorealist theorists don’t give credence to the factors the liberal theorists perceive as impacting the probability of conflict. Postclassical realism is more akin to liberal theory in the sense that productive discussion can take place with liberal theorists. The main difference remains between the material and non-material factors (Brooks 1997). Liberal feminism is an ideology of egalitarianism. Since Plato so much has been written on the topic that it seems the relation of gender to politics is very complex.

Feminism is against Rousseau’s masculine savage, unable to grasp abstract ideas. Both Rousseau and Freud have different opinions; Freud perceives women as “opposition to civilization” and all “civilization” is the work of men (Hooks 2000). Gender is very crucial as is freedom, liberty, or property. Feminist change has been felt in all facets of life in a positive manner. As a result, the level of anti-feminine reaction has subsided. Opposition to the feminist movement has changed to an understanding of what feminism stands for.

Those men are not fearful of the feminist movement anymore who want to get themselves free from the responsibilities of patriarchy. Feminist politics has offered opportunities for living a better life (Hooks 2000).ConclusionThe dual nature of the two theories on realism has helped in finding that assumptions of post-classical realism on state behavior are comparatively more useful and align well with the theory of liberalism making the neorealist theory less flexible. Division in the theory has created scope for a change in the concept of the theory for an increased understanding of the changing effect of various factors on state behavior.

There remains the possibility of positive discussion. It also counteracts the negative impression of realist theory on the worst-case in global relations between states.