Realism and Liberalism Discuss and compare or contrast Realism and Liberalism.

Many theories demonstrate insight into the concept of war, international relations and domestic relations. Realism and liberalism provide pictures that relate and coexist, yet are opposite in theory. Realism is conservative and pessimistic. Realists plan for permanence of the current international state of affairs. Liberalism is progressive and optimistic. Liberals believe change is necessary and inevitable. Neither viewpoint gives us the right or wrong side as both contain truths depending on circumstances. International politics relies …

…to reach goals and considers a wider range of actors. The realist view of international relations carries a narrow minded and uncompromising approach. Liberals change motives and concepts as states and the global community transform. Realists change as well but deny the reality of it. We must look at the entire picture of each international situation before picking the best way to handle it. Conservative approaches solve many problems but alternatives must be kept available.