REALISM VS. IDEALISM

Two Traditional Schools of I.R.

Realism v. IdealismREALIST IDEALIST

Amoral view of world Balance of Power is basis of

international relations. No power vacuums.

Inter-State relations are important

Vital National Interests govern behavior

Security through alliances and limited collective security through NATO

War is corrective behavior

Moral view of world Universal Values basis of

international relations Inter and Intra-State

relations are important Global events are

important to everyone Collective Security is the

Norm through United Nations

War is moral failure

North Atlantic Treaty OrganizationCreated in 1949 by US and Western Allies to Stop Soviets

from Expanding

NATO forces in AfghanistanArticle 5: An attack against one is an attack against all.

First Invoked September 12, 2001

NATO FORCES FIGHTING IN AFGHANISTANARTICLE 5: “An attack against one is an attack against all”

September 12, 2001, first time Article 5 was invoked

United Nations

Woodrow Wilson’s Plan 1919-1939

Franklin Roosevelt’s Plan 1946-Today

United Nations Security Council Each has VETO power: “I forbid” Five Permanent Members: United States,

Soviet Union (Russia), Britain, France, China (Communist China, 1972)

1950, UN sanctioned police action against North Korea’s invasion of South Korea….Soviets were boycotting and could not veto…..never missed another meeting!

1990, UN forces against Saddam Hussein in First Persian Gulf War.

FUTURE?

United Nations Organization Chart