Power in International Relations: Insights from Realist and Liberal Theories
Keywords:
Power, hard power, soft power, realism, liberalism, international relations
Abstract
The concept or factor of power has been given great importance in the social sciences in general and in the fields of political science and international relations in particular. However, the concept of power is a vague and controversial concept and has been defined in various ways, despite being mixed with other concepts and terms such as authority, purpose, ability, oppression, influence and other concepts close to the meaning of power. Due to its significance, the concept of power has been explored through numerous studies and theories since ancient times. Above all, both realism and liberalism have interpreted the concept of power and its importance in the international arena. Realism and its thinkers emphasize military strength and strategic alliances for the survival and hegemony of the state, while liberalism and its thinkers emphasize economic dependence, institutional cooperation and adherence to international norms and values in order to achieve state security and influence. Based on the perspectives of the two major schools of international relations and political science, this study aims to interpret the concept and types of power in international relations. Simultaneously, it compares the perspectives of both schools and their thinkers and theorists on the concept of power and its significance in international politics.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
Metrics
Metrics Loading ...
PlumX Statistics
References
1. Arı, T. (2002). Uluslararası ilişkiler teorileri: Çatışma, hegemonya, iş birliği. Alfa Yayınları.
2. Arı, T. (2004). Uluslararası ilişkiler teorileri. Alfa Basım Yayın.
3. Aron, R. (1966). Peace and war: A theory of international relations. Doubleday & Company.
4. Bentham, J. (1948). An introduction to the principles of morals and legislation (Reprint, 1-30). Blackwell. (Original work published 1789)
5. Bentham, J. (2001). An introduction to the principles of morals and legislation (Reprint). Adamant Media Corporation. (Original work published 1789)
6. Bozdağlıoğlu, Y., & Özen, Ç. (2004). Liberalizmden neoliberalizme güç olgusu ve sistemik bağımlılık. Uluslararası İlişkiler Dergisi, 1(4), 75-76.
7. Carr, E. H. (1939). The twenty years' crisis, 1919-1939: An introduction to the study of international relations. Macmillan.
8. Davis, D. E., & Mahon, J. E. (2019). Theoretical perspectives on international relations. In J. Joseph (Ed.), International relations: Theories and approaches (pp. 150-175). Oxford University Press.
9. Doyle, M. W. (1997). Ways of war and peace: Realism, liberalism, and socialism. W.W. Norton & Company.
10. Dumankaya, E. M. (2019, January 7). Uluslararası ilişkiler ve güç kavramı. STM. https://thinktech.stm.com.tr/uploads/raporlar/pdf/81201991930923_stm_uluslararasi_iliskiler_ve_guc_kavrami.pdf (Accessed April 17, 2024).
11. Ertoy, B. (2019). Uluslararası ilişkilerde realist geleneğin dönüşümü ve neoklasik realizm. Anadolu Üniversitesi İktisat Fakültesi Dergisi, 1(1), 7.
12. Faraj, A. M. (2018). Realism theory in international relations. Jamal Irfan Cultural Institute.
13. Gallarotti, G. M. (2015). Smart power: Definitions, importance, and effectiveness. Journal of Strategic Studies, 38(3), 245-281. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01402390.2014.1002912 (Accessed May 15, 2024).
14. Gilpin, R. (1981). War and change in world politics. Cambridge University Press.
15. Graebner, N. A. (1968). The development of American diplomacy (1-40). Prentice-Hall.
16. Haas, E. B. (1958). The uniting of Europe: Political, social, and economic forces, 1950–1957 (pp. 40-80). Stanford University Press.
17. Herz, J. (1951). Political realism and political idealism: A study in theories and realities. University of Chicago Press.
18. Heywood, A. (2016). Küresel siyaset. Adres Yayınları.
19. Hobbes, T. (1985). Leviathan (C. B. Macpherson, Trans.). Penguin Classics. (Original work published 1651)
20. Hosseinzadeh, M. (2023, March 21). How much power do states need. Chawykurd. https://chawykurd.com/2023/03/21/%D8%AF%DB%95%D9%88%DA%B5%DB%95%D8%AA%D9%88%DA%A9%D8%A7%D9%86-%DA%86%DB%95%D9%86%D8%AF%DB%95-%D9%87%DB%8E%D8%B2%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%DB%95%D9%88%DB%8E%D8%AA%D8%9F (Accessed April 1, 2024).
21. Hussein, S. (2018). International relations (Concepts and principles, history and stages, theses and theories). Tafsir Bureau.
22. Jervis, R. (1976). Perception and misperception in international politics. Princeton University Press.
23. Kant, I. (1917). Perpetual peace: A philosophical sketch (M. Campbell Smith, Trans.). London: G. Allen & Unwin.
24. Karim, Z. (2023). Power depletion. Futurology, Futuristic Research Center, 19(4), 192.
25. Kennan, G. (1947). The sources of Soviet conduct. Foreign Affairs, 25(4), 566-582.
26. Keohane, R. (2005). After hegemony: Cooperation and discord in the world political economy. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
27. Keohane, R. O. (1968). The theory of hegemonic stability and changes in the international system. Political Science Quarterly, 83(2), 331-351.
28. Keohane, R. O. (1989). International institutions and state power: Essays in international relations theory. Westview Press.
29. Keohane, R., & Nye, J. S. (2012). Power and interdependence: World politics in transition (4th ed.). Longman.
30. Libicki, M. C. (2009). Cyber deterrence and cyber war. RAND Corporation.
31. Mearsheimer, J. J. (2001). The tragedy of great power politics. W.W. Norton & Company.
32. Mearsheimer, J. J. (2001). The tragedy of great power politics. W.W. Norton & Company.
33. Mearsheimer, J. J. (2006). Structural realism. Chapter 4. https://www.commackschools.org/Downloads/8_mearsheimer-_structural_realism.pdf (Accessed November 14, 2023).
34. Melanson, R. A. (1997). The United Nations: Theory and practice. Lynne Rienner Publishers.
35. Mitrany, D. (1951). Functionalism: Theory and practice (pp. 15-45). Royal Institute of International Affairs.
36. Moravcsik, A. (1997). Taking preferences seriously: A liberal theory of international politics. International Organization, 51(4), 513-553.
37. Moravcsik, A. (1997). Taking preferences seriously: A liberal theory of international politics. International Organization, 51(4), 513-553.
38. Morgenthau, H. J. (1948). Politics among nations: The struggle for power and peace (1st ed.). New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
39. Morgenthau, H. J. (2005). Politics among nations: The struggle for power and peace (7th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
40. Niebuhr, R. (1932). Moral man and immoral society: A study in ethics and politics. Charles Scribner's Sons.
41. Nye, J. S. Jr. (2004). Soft power: The means to success in world politics. New York: Public Affairs.
42. Nye, J. S. Jr. (2011). The future of power. New York: Public Affairs.
43. Nye, J. S., Jr. (2004). Understanding international conflicts: An introduction to theory and history. Pearson.
44. Omar, K. (2019, September). The importance of the power factor in international politics. Kurdistan Center for Conflict and Crisis Research Series, 11-12.
45. Özcan, A. B., & Çınar, Y. (Eds.). (2014). Uluslararası ilişkilerin temel kavramları. Hükümdar Yayınları.
46. Özdemir, H. (2008). Uluslararası ilişkilerde güç: Çok boyutlu bir değerlendirme. Ankara Üniversitesi SBF Dergisi, 63(3), 114.
47. Rose, G. (1998). Neoclassical realism and theories of foreign policy. World Politics, 51(1), 144-172.
48. Rose, G. (1998). Neoclassical realism and theories of foreign policy. World Politics, 51(1), 144-172.
49. Schweller, R. L. (2006). Unanswered threats: Political constraints on the balance of power. Princeton University Press.
50. Spykman, N. (1944). The geography of peace. Harcourt, Brace and Company.
51. Stavrianos, L. S. (1972). The world since 1500: A global history (pp. 404-423). Harper & Row.
52. Varlık, A. B., & Demir, S. (2013). Uluslararası ilişkilerde realist ve liberalist kuramların güç kavramına yaklaşımı. Beta.
53. Walker, C., & Ludwig, J. (2018). Sharp power: Rising authoritarian influence. Journal of Democracy, 29(3), 17-26.
54. Waltz, K. N. (1979). Theory of international politics. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.
55. Wohlforth, W. C. (1999). The stability of a unipolar world. International Security, 24(1), 5-41.
56. Wolfers, A. (1962). Discord and collaboration: Essays on international politics. Johns Hopkins University Press.
57. Yılmaz, S. (2008). Uluslararası ilişkilerde güç ve güç dengesinin evrimi. Stratejik Araştırmalar Dergisi, 1(1), 28.
2. Arı, T. (2004). Uluslararası ilişkiler teorileri. Alfa Basım Yayın.
3. Aron, R. (1966). Peace and war: A theory of international relations. Doubleday & Company.
4. Bentham, J. (1948). An introduction to the principles of morals and legislation (Reprint, 1-30). Blackwell. (Original work published 1789)
5. Bentham, J. (2001). An introduction to the principles of morals and legislation (Reprint). Adamant Media Corporation. (Original work published 1789)
6. Bozdağlıoğlu, Y., & Özen, Ç. (2004). Liberalizmden neoliberalizme güç olgusu ve sistemik bağımlılık. Uluslararası İlişkiler Dergisi, 1(4), 75-76.
7. Carr, E. H. (1939). The twenty years' crisis, 1919-1939: An introduction to the study of international relations. Macmillan.
8. Davis, D. E., & Mahon, J. E. (2019). Theoretical perspectives on international relations. In J. Joseph (Ed.), International relations: Theories and approaches (pp. 150-175). Oxford University Press.
9. Doyle, M. W. (1997). Ways of war and peace: Realism, liberalism, and socialism. W.W. Norton & Company.
10. Dumankaya, E. M. (2019, January 7). Uluslararası ilişkiler ve güç kavramı. STM. https://thinktech.stm.com.tr/uploads/raporlar/pdf/81201991930923_stm_uluslararasi_iliskiler_ve_guc_kavrami.pdf (Accessed April 17, 2024).
11. Ertoy, B. (2019). Uluslararası ilişkilerde realist geleneğin dönüşümü ve neoklasik realizm. Anadolu Üniversitesi İktisat Fakültesi Dergisi, 1(1), 7.
12. Faraj, A. M. (2018). Realism theory in international relations. Jamal Irfan Cultural Institute.
13. Gallarotti, G. M. (2015). Smart power: Definitions, importance, and effectiveness. Journal of Strategic Studies, 38(3), 245-281. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01402390.2014.1002912 (Accessed May 15, 2024).
14. Gilpin, R. (1981). War and change in world politics. Cambridge University Press.
15. Graebner, N. A. (1968). The development of American diplomacy (1-40). Prentice-Hall.
16. Haas, E. B. (1958). The uniting of Europe: Political, social, and economic forces, 1950–1957 (pp. 40-80). Stanford University Press.
17. Herz, J. (1951). Political realism and political idealism: A study in theories and realities. University of Chicago Press.
18. Heywood, A. (2016). Küresel siyaset. Adres Yayınları.
19. Hobbes, T. (1985). Leviathan (C. B. Macpherson, Trans.). Penguin Classics. (Original work published 1651)
20. Hosseinzadeh, M. (2023, March 21). How much power do states need. Chawykurd. https://chawykurd.com/2023/03/21/%D8%AF%DB%95%D9%88%DA%B5%DB%95%D8%AA%D9%88%DA%A9%D8%A7%D9%86-%DA%86%DB%95%D9%86%D8%AF%DB%95-%D9%87%DB%8E%D8%B2%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%DB%95%D9%88%DB%8E%D8%AA%D8%9F (Accessed April 1, 2024).
21. Hussein, S. (2018). International relations (Concepts and principles, history and stages, theses and theories). Tafsir Bureau.
22. Jervis, R. (1976). Perception and misperception in international politics. Princeton University Press.
23. Kant, I. (1917). Perpetual peace: A philosophical sketch (M. Campbell Smith, Trans.). London: G. Allen & Unwin.
24. Karim, Z. (2023). Power depletion. Futurology, Futuristic Research Center, 19(4), 192.
25. Kennan, G. (1947). The sources of Soviet conduct. Foreign Affairs, 25(4), 566-582.
26. Keohane, R. (2005). After hegemony: Cooperation and discord in the world political economy. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
27. Keohane, R. O. (1968). The theory of hegemonic stability and changes in the international system. Political Science Quarterly, 83(2), 331-351.
28. Keohane, R. O. (1989). International institutions and state power: Essays in international relations theory. Westview Press.
29. Keohane, R., & Nye, J. S. (2012). Power and interdependence: World politics in transition (4th ed.). Longman.
30. Libicki, M. C. (2009). Cyber deterrence and cyber war. RAND Corporation.
31. Mearsheimer, J. J. (2001). The tragedy of great power politics. W.W. Norton & Company.
32. Mearsheimer, J. J. (2001). The tragedy of great power politics. W.W. Norton & Company.
33. Mearsheimer, J. J. (2006). Structural realism. Chapter 4. https://www.commackschools.org/Downloads/8_mearsheimer-_structural_realism.pdf (Accessed November 14, 2023).
34. Melanson, R. A. (1997). The United Nations: Theory and practice. Lynne Rienner Publishers.
35. Mitrany, D. (1951). Functionalism: Theory and practice (pp. 15-45). Royal Institute of International Affairs.
36. Moravcsik, A. (1997). Taking preferences seriously: A liberal theory of international politics. International Organization, 51(4), 513-553.
37. Moravcsik, A. (1997). Taking preferences seriously: A liberal theory of international politics. International Organization, 51(4), 513-553.
38. Morgenthau, H. J. (1948). Politics among nations: The struggle for power and peace (1st ed.). New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
39. Morgenthau, H. J. (2005). Politics among nations: The struggle for power and peace (7th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
40. Niebuhr, R. (1932). Moral man and immoral society: A study in ethics and politics. Charles Scribner's Sons.
41. Nye, J. S. Jr. (2004). Soft power: The means to success in world politics. New York: Public Affairs.
42. Nye, J. S. Jr. (2011). The future of power. New York: Public Affairs.
43. Nye, J. S., Jr. (2004). Understanding international conflicts: An introduction to theory and history. Pearson.
44. Omar, K. (2019, September). The importance of the power factor in international politics. Kurdistan Center for Conflict and Crisis Research Series, 11-12.
45. Özcan, A. B., & Çınar, Y. (Eds.). (2014). Uluslararası ilişkilerin temel kavramları. Hükümdar Yayınları.
46. Özdemir, H. (2008). Uluslararası ilişkilerde güç: Çok boyutlu bir değerlendirme. Ankara Üniversitesi SBF Dergisi, 63(3), 114.
47. Rose, G. (1998). Neoclassical realism and theories of foreign policy. World Politics, 51(1), 144-172.
48. Rose, G. (1998). Neoclassical realism and theories of foreign policy. World Politics, 51(1), 144-172.
49. Schweller, R. L. (2006). Unanswered threats: Political constraints on the balance of power. Princeton University Press.
50. Spykman, N. (1944). The geography of peace. Harcourt, Brace and Company.
51. Stavrianos, L. S. (1972). The world since 1500: A global history (pp. 404-423). Harper & Row.
52. Varlık, A. B., & Demir, S. (2013). Uluslararası ilişkilerde realist ve liberalist kuramların güç kavramına yaklaşımı. Beta.
53. Walker, C., & Ludwig, J. (2018). Sharp power: Rising authoritarian influence. Journal of Democracy, 29(3), 17-26.
54. Waltz, K. N. (1979). Theory of international politics. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.
55. Wohlforth, W. C. (1999). The stability of a unipolar world. International Security, 24(1), 5-41.
56. Wolfers, A. (1962). Discord and collaboration: Essays on international politics. Johns Hopkins University Press.
57. Yılmaz, S. (2008). Uluslararası ilişkilerde güç ve güç dengesinin evrimi. Stratejik Araştırmalar Dergisi, 1(1), 28.
Published
2025-03-31
How to Cite
Mahmood, R. M. (2025). Power in International Relations: Insights from Realist and Liberal Theories. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 21(8), 27. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2025.v21n8p27
Section
ESJ Humanities
Copyright (c) 2025 Rawa M. Mahmood
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
