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Choose one of these two questions to answer: Explain what should be studied under the heading ‘international relations’, according to feminism, postcolonialism, realism and liberalism respectively, using an example of a real-life issue in world politics. Pick a real-life issue in world politics today and explain which one of these four theories (feminism, postcolonialism, realism and liberalism) you think to be the most useful to make sense of it. You need to include a minimum of six* academic sources of three different types. Write a research homework of 2,000 words.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

International relations (IR) as an academic discipline encompasses diverse perspectives and paradigms that analyze global politics. Four prominent theoretical frameworks—feminism, postcolonialism, realism, and liberalism—offer distinct lenses through which to understand the complexities of international affairs. Each paradigm emphasizes different aspects of power, interests, identities, and societal structures, shaping the scope of what should be studied within IR and how real-world issues are interpreted. This paper explores the normative and analytical focus of these paradigms, illustrating their perspectives with concrete examples. Furthermore, it assesses which framework is most useful in explaining a current global issue, thereby enriching understanding and practical policy considerations.

Understanding What Should Be Studied Under ‘International Relations’

The scope of IR studies varies dramatically depending on the theoretical lens applied, reflecting divergent views on what constitutes the core concerns of international politics.

Feminism

Feminist IR theory advocates for the inclusion of gender as a central category of analysis. It critiques traditional IR's focus on state sovereignty, military power, and national interests, arguing that such paradigms often overlook issues related to gender inequality, violence against women, and the roles women play in conflict and peacebuilding (Tickner, 1992). Feminists call for studying how gender relations shape international policies and how international institutions uphold or challenge patriarchal structures. Key topics include gender-based violence, human trafficking, and the representation of women in diplomatic spaces.

Postcolonialism

Postcolonial IR emphasizes the enduring impacts of colonial histories and power asymmetries, advocating for the decolonization of IR theory itself. It critiques Eurocentric perspectives and highlights issues like imperialism, racial inequality, and cultural hegemonies (Young, 2001). Postcolonial scholars argue that understanding global inequality requires analyzing how colonial legacies influence contemporary political, economic, and cultural relations. Topics such as development, globalization, and the politics of identity in formerly colonized nations exemplify areas of interest in postcolonial IR.

Realism

Realism remains one of the most influential and traditional IR paradigms, focusing on state sovereignty, survival, and power politics. It posits that the international system is anarchic, with states acting primarily in pursuit of their security and national interests (Mearsheimer, 2001). Realists prioritize military capabilities, alliances, and strategic interests, advocating for studying conflicts, balance of power, and security dilemmas. Realism tends to reduce the scope of IR to pragmatic considerations about power and threat management.

Liberalism

Liberalism broadens the focus to include international cooperation, institutions, democracy, and economic interdependence. It argues that states can work together through organizations like the UN, WTO, and NGOs to promote peace, development, and human rights (Keohane & Nye, 1977). Liberal scholars study international law, trade relations, and the spread of democratic governance, emphasizing the potential for mutual benefits and the importance of international norms.

Application to a Current Global Issue

A significant contemporary issue is the Ukraine crisis, which erupted in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and escalated with the 2022 invasion. This conflict exemplifies competing paradigmatic explanations:

Realist Perspective

Realists interpret the Ukraine crisis as a classic power struggle, emphasizing Russia’s strategic security concerns, NATO’s eastward expansion, and the importance of military capabilities. Realist analysis focuses on balancing power, deterrence, and the security dilemma, explaining Russia’s actions as motivated by territorial security interests (Mearsheimer, 2014). The emphasis on material capabilities and national interests makes realism highly relevant for understanding the conflict's triggers and potential resolutions.

Liberal Perspective

Liberal scholars highlight the role of international institutions, economic interdependence, and diplomatic engagement. They argue that stronger adherence to international law and increased cooperation could have prevented or mitigated the conflict (Kissinger, 2014). Liberal analysis advocates for diplomatic negotiations, sanctions, and institutional engagement as means to resolve crises peacefully.

Feminist and Postcolonial Perspectives

Feminist IR might scrutinize how gendered narratives around masculinity and aggression influence policies and public perceptions of conflict. Postcolonial analysis might critique the Western-centric framing of the crisis and emphasize the historical context of imperialism and regional sovereignty, highlighting power imbalances rooted in colonial legacies. Both perspectives deepen the understanding of the conflict’s underlying social and cultural dimensions, which are often overlooked in traditional analyses.

Most Useful Paradigm for Explaining the Ukraine Crisis

While all four paradigms offer valuable insights, realism emerges as the most pragmatically useful framework in understanding the Ukraine conflict. Its focus on power dynamics, security concerns, and strategic interests aligns with Russia’s annexation and military actions. For example, Russia’s view of NATO’s expansion as a threat aligns with realist assumptions about the importance of militarily balancing threats. Moreover, realism’s emphasis on state behavior in an anarchic international system explains why diplomatic efforts alone may be insufficient without addressing underlying power interests.

However, integrating liberal approaches focused on diplomacy and international law is also crucial for long-term resolution efforts. Feminist and postcolonial perspectives enrich the analysis by revealing the social and historical roots of the conflict, promoting a more holistic understanding. Ultimately, realism provides the foundational lens to grasp the strategic calculations, with liberalism and other paradigms complementing this view for comprehensive policy formulation.

Conclusion

The study of IR is inherently multidisciplinary, with each paradigm emphasizing different issues and perspectives. Feminism, postcolonialism, realism, and liberalism together enrich the analysis of complex international problems. When applied to current conflicts such as the Ukraine crisis, realism’s focus on power and security proves most directly relevant, although integrating other perspectives can yield more sustainable and nuanced outcomes. Recognizing these paradigmatic differences enhances both academic understanding and practical policymaking in global affairs.

References

• Keohane, R. O., & Nye, J. S. (1977). Power and Interdependence: World Politics in Transition. Little, Brown.
• Kissinger, H. (2014). World Order. Penguin Books.
• Mearsheimer, J. J. (2001). The Tragedy of Great Power Politics. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Mearsheimer, J. J. (2014). Why the Ukraine Crisis Is the West’s Fault: The Failure of American Foreign Policy. Foreign Affairs, 93(5), 2-12.
• Tickner, J. A. (1992). Gender in International Relations: Feminist Perspectives on Achieving Justice and Security. University Press of Kentucky.
• Young, R. J. C. (2001). Postcolonialism: An Historical Introduction. Blackwell Publishing.