Interstate Co-Operation Essay

Interstate co-operation stands at the summit of accomplishment for Idealist in the field of international relations. The study of idealism can be traced back to the work of nineteenth century scholar Immanuel Kant. Idealism can be stated as the philosophy that examines current situations in the world and seeking ways in which it can be improved in the future (Kegley 2009). Needless to say, there exist variations to this school of thought that has evolved over time, two such strains are, Utopia- a term used to express the desire or vision of an alternative way that is better than what exist at the present time and Internationalism- the name used to refer to the principle of co-operation amongst states for the benefit of all (Bull 1969).

Liberalism is thus an amalgamation of ideologies (idealism, internationalism and utopianism) that surfaced after the tumult of the late eighteenth century with the rise of a knowledgeable middle class who demanded political representation

Realist view human nature as selfish and cannot be trusted. The most important actor to the realist is the state and thus realist advocate the pursuit of states and its interest (Burchill, Linklater, Devetak et al, 2005). The historical beginnings of realism can be traced back to Thucydides in ancient Greece and the Peloponnesian war, he believed “the strong do as they will and the weak suffer as they must”. Realism as a paradigm continued to flourish in the sixteenth century with Italian philosopher Niccolo-Machiavelli and seventeenth century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes. Hobbes believed in self reliance and state power (Kegley, 2009). Despite the difference in time the unifying theme throughout the teachings of realism is a continuous, struggle for power where the strong dominate the weak, and leaders seek armaments and alliances to enhance their national security (Ibid ). Realist do not share the normative view of the idealist that man is inherently good , but instead hold strongly to the believe that people are selfish by nature and unable to emancipate themselves from their natural drive to seek their own self interest even at the expense of others, as such they cannot be trusted