Paradigms of Foreign Policy

There are a few paradigms used in the formation of the foreign policy. You may have heard of liberalism or realism, but do you have any clue as to what those terms mean? According to dictionary.com, the proper definition for paradigm is an example serving as a model or a reoccurring pattern in a policy. Now lets take a look at a few popular paradigms.

Liberalism

Liberalism is predicated on the hope that applying reason and universal ethics to international relations can lead to a more orderly, just and cooperative world. Further more, people in mainstream liberalism believe that war can be forded by international organizations and the strict enforcement of international law. This idea stems mainly from the belief that human nature is essentially good and that we should appeal to it.

Realism

Realism says that the state is the most important actor in International affairs because it answers to no higher political authority. Realism states that conflicts among countries are inevitable mainly because countries are inherently self interested and always seek to further their own self interest.

Sub-Paradigms

There have been recent shifts in the beliefs of these two main principles. Liberalism tended to be more popular after World War I and before World War II but began to slowly loose popularity. Realism quickly gained popularity after World War II and still continues to enjoy the popularity. Out of these two main paradigms, numerous sub-paradigms emerged. From realism’s belief that power is always the end game of the self-interested nations to Liberalism’s belief that everyone will be able to hug and kiss if we had stronger law and order – new ideas began to emerge.

Structural Realism

An offshoot of realism, structural realism believes that international structure emerges from interaction of states which constrains them from taking certain actions while compelling them towards others. Instead of power is always the end game, structural realists believe that power is for the survival of the state.

Neo-traditional Realism

Neo traditional realists believe that a state’s foreign policy can be best explained by its leader’s perceptions of national interest and capability.

Neo-Liberalism

Neo-liberals believe that numerous other influences such as public opinion, mass education and international law have an effect on the formulation of foreign policy. However, this movement never truly gains popularity and does not achieve a full intellectual movement. However it did give rise to the complex interdependence theory and the feminist theory that emerged.