Pol 211 Mile 2 Realism, idealism - Essay Example

Key Factors of Realism and Idealism KEY FACTORS OF REALISM AND IDEALISM Key Factors of Realism and Idealism of nature, anarchy, and war Nations exist in a state known as chaos where war between nations was permanent and expected. In this state human life, was short, brutal and short according to Thomas Hobbes. Idealists view the disorder as a method of resolving conflicts and other disputes (Schmitt, 20008, p.67).2. The state and sovereignty States in this sense are considered to sovereign and the primary controllers of the world activities.

In this case, sovereignty is defined as the supreme authority on a given territory with reference to the works of Niccolo Machiavelli. Idealists view the state as a means of cooperation (Machiavelli & Marriott, 2009, p.867).3. National interest The state is supposed to develop its interests first in terms of security when considering relationships with other states. Idealists view the national interest with reference to the balance of power. Idealist administrators seek to advance their national interests.4. Balance of power Two or more states act in uniform in either way (politically or militarily) to prevent another state from gaining predominance and dictating them.5. Diplomacy Diplomacy is the art of combining national power to produce maximum effect to the international situation that will hence affect the national interest directly.

The collapse of the Soviet Union is best described using the realism and idealism concept of “Balance of Power”. This was whereby Bush succeeds in convincing Gorbachev to implementing reform efforts towards shifting the USSR into a democratic system and a market-based economy. Gorbachev allows elections under a multi-party system and the presidency of the Soviet Union. This gradually develops the democracy that goes along with destabilizing communist control and later on the total collapse of the Soviet Union (Strayer, 1998, p.38).Reference ListMachiavelli, Niccolè, and W.

K Marriott. The Prince. [Waiheke Island]: Floating Press, 2008. Print.Schmitt, C. (2008). The Leviathan in the State Theory of Thomas Hobbes: Meaning and Failure of a Political Symbol. Chicago: Chicago University Press.Strayer, R. W. (1998). Why did the Soviet Union collapse? Understanding historical change. Armonk, NY [u.a.: Sharpe.