International Relations Theory

Traditional Idealists – norms, ideals, and interests can be achieved naturally through cooperation Woodrow Wilson – staunch supporter of free trade, open agreements and treaties, self determination British 19th century liberals believed that the state protects interests, there is natural determination, and due to free trade war has become an outdated waste of resources. (Manchester school – war wastes times and money; free trade aids and profits all)

Just War – Aquinas & St Augustine – there is authority of a sovereign; a random citizen may not declare war. There must be just cause – a valid reason to avenge wrong and right injustice; and rightful intention to advance good and fight evil. Grotius expanded on this theory by saying that a just war can be ended as soon as possible, since the losses dues to war do not make it profitable. Sacrifice interests for peace; not war.

Realists – Bismark, Machiavelli, Kissinger – analyze politics in terms of power; conflict is the natural way of things Leviathan – Hobbes – subterfuge is the way to survive, there is no place for principles. All men are the same and predisposed to want the same things, and this leads to war and violence. Those who claim peace are simply afraid of death. State of Nature/State of War – all against all and there is competition because everyone wants to