Idealism and Realism in International Relations: A Dichotomy of Failure

Abstract

The debate between idealism and realism continues to mark the discipline of international relations. One may argue that realism of international relations is all about the struggle for power and a quest for survival, which fails and leads to permanent conflicts. However, idealism is another school of thought in international relations that suggests peaceful coexistence, prosperity, and well-being, are ideas achieved through cooperation based on values and aspirations. This paper is a try to analyze the debate between idealism and realism in international relations and whether it is a success or a mere dichotomy of failure. The argument presented here is that both idealism and realism are two thoughts that lead to the creation and maintenance of international order. There was a power for realists and there were rules for idealists, and when the two clashed, the result was the rule of power. To this end, scholars have struggled with this realist idea. The idealism theory considers the possibility to build a world of peaceful coexistence, prosperity, and well-being, achieved through cooperation based on values and aspirations shared by humans as a whole.