✅ Comparison Table: Approaches to International Relations

Feature / Approach	Idealism / Liberalism	Realism / Classical Realism	Neo-Realism	Neo-Liberalism	Marxism / Neo-Marxism
Core Assumption	Human nature is good; peace is achievable	Human nature is selfish; war is inevitable	Systemic structure shapes behavior	Institutions can reduce conflict	Class conflict and economic exploitation
Main Actors	States + IGOs + NGOs	States	States	States + Institutions	Classes, capitalist states
View of International System	Cooperative & legalistic	Anarchic & power-centric	Anarchic, defined by polarity	Anarchic but manageable via cooperation	Hierarchical: Core exploits periphery
Key Concepts	Collective security, Interdependence	National interest, Balance of power	Polarity, Self-help, Anarchy	Interdependence, Hegemonic stability	World-system, Dependency, Imperialism
Main Thinkers	Wilson, Kant, Nye	Morgenthau, Carr, Hobbes	Waltz, Mearsheimer	Keohane, Axelrod	Marx, Wallerstein, Frank
Focus	Peace, justice, institutions	Power, security, survival	Structure of system	Institutions & cooperation	Inequality, exploitation
Conflict or Cooperation?	Cooperation possible	Conflict inevitable	Conflict likely	Cooperation possible	Conflict inherent in system

📚 MCQs for Practice: Approaches to IR

1. Who is considered the father of classical realism in International Relations?

✅ Answer: b) Hans Morgenthau

🧠 Explanation: Morgenthau emphasized power politics and national interest — foundational to classical realism.

2. The theory of Complex Interdependence was developed by:

✅ Answer: c) Keohane and Nye

🧠 Explanation: They argued states and non-state actors are deeply intertwined in global affairs — challenging realist assumptions.

3. Which approach focuses on the structure of the international system rather than human nature?

✅ Answer: c) Neo-Realism

🧠 Explanation: Kenneth Waltz’s structural realism argues that system structure (not human nature) explains state behavior.

4. The concept of “Core” and “Periphery” is associated with which theory?

✅ Answer: c) World-Systems Theory

🧠 Explanation: Developed by Wallerstein, it explains global inequality in capitalist systems.

5. Which thinker proposed the Democratic Peace Theory?

✅ Answer: c) Michael Doyle

🧠 Explanation: Doyle modernized Kant’s idea, suggesting democracies are less likely to go to war with each other.

6. "Politics Among Nations" is a key work in which theoretical tradition?

✅ Answer: b) Classical Realism

🧠 Explanation: Written by Hans Morgenthau, it is a foundational realist text emphasizing power and interest.

7. Who among the following is associated with Offensive Realism?

✅ Answer: c) John Mearsheimer

🧠 Explanation: Mearsheimer argued that states seek to maximize power to ensure survival — a departure from defensive realism.

8. The idea that international institutions can mitigate anarchy is central to:

✅ Answer: c) Neo-Liberalism

🧠 Explanation: Neo-liberal institutionalists argue institutions foster cooperation even under anarchy.