Realism and liberalism theories in international relations

International relations studies is the specialization that focuses on the study of foreign affairs and the global events significantly influence the trend of the states that are within the international system. These systems are categorized as governments, countries, organizations and even people who are the main agents of relations and interchange between people within varying geographical locations (WITS University, 2014). There are pertinent issues that are involved in the study of international relations such as war, disease, democracy, poverty, diplomacy, globalization, economics and trade. The significance of continued study of international relations are numerous and important to any organization and governments. From the study of international reactions between two entities in the past, it is possible to predict the future and the significance and possible repercussions of some international decisions that a government or a president or even the organizations may take. International studies a reason geared towards having a united and a better world trough understanding different points-of-view from varying parts of the globe. It is however important to note that the mere study of international relations does not guarantee an accurate foretelling of future events but can only be used as an insight to a deeper understanding of previous decisions and steps taken by organizations and governments towards events and the consequences that came alongside it.

Theories of international relations

Realism: This is one of the oldest approaches that nations and politicians have used in handling their international relations matters. This theory indicates that the states endeavor to expand their influence and power in relation to the other states that they relate with. The theory posits that the world is a harsh place such that the only certainty a state has is power with the powerful state being able to outlast and outdo the weaker nations that compete with it. It also indicates that the first interest of any nation is self preservation and hence will seek power and protect it. This theory also indicates that there is no power that can punish bad behavior nor enforce global rules. The theory also advocates for abandoning of morality when it comes to a country relating to another since this would compromise the ability of that moral nation to protect itself. The moral concerns should not guide foreign policy and hence the use of war under this theory is permissible.it also says that the common international organizations and laws have no power at all neither do they have the force and their existence is pegged on the fact that the states have accepted them (Donnelly J., 2000).

On the other hand, Liberalism emphasizes on the significance of the complex interdependence.it states that the broad ties that exist between nations have rendered national interest hard to define and the military powers of nations rendered useless. This theory was seen as a replacement for the outdated realism approach to international relations. Liberalism indicates that simple power politics can no longer be viable in the face of globalization that has seen the rise of communication technology and a boost in the international trade. This theory acknowledges that the world is a harsh place to be in but counters that view with the claim that use of military power has consequences that often outweigh the benefits hence international cooperation is the business of each nation. This theory also advocates for consideration of the economic and social powers as great sources of power too, not just the military power alone and these two can also be effectively used against another nation. The various nations have varying primary interests and international organizations and laws are effective in forging cooperation, prosperity and trust.

A state and the characteristics of a state

One thing that is common among states is that they are more than a government since governments change but states endure longer. A state can be defined as the system or the means of rule over a sovereign territory that is well defined. The state is made up of the courts, the executive, a form of bureaucracy and other institutions. Over these, a state levies taxes over the citizenry and trade within its territory and also has a military and the police force. It is also the prerogative of the state to distribute resources and wealth.

Some of the pertinent characteristics of a state are that it consists of a population, large or small does not alter the existence of a state. A state also has a territory, which re well recognized and known boundaries. A state is also sovereign, in that it decides its own domestic and foreign policy and this is not in subordination to any other authority. States also have governments that need to be functional. The governments often have the machinery as well as the personnel through which the state is ruled (Global Policy Forum, 2014).

Constructivism and USA-Pakistan relations

This is a theory that is based on observation and scientific study on how people learn. It posits that individuals construct their own meanings, knowledge and understanding of the world trough the experiences as well as reflections on these experiences. It states that whenever humans encounter something new, they tend to juxtapose it against the previous experiences and in the process these may change our beliefs or discarding altogether the new information. It portrays people as active creators of their own knowledge and in order to do this, man will ask questions, explore and assess what they know (Business Dictionary, 2014).

The relations between the U.S. And Pakistan have been seen to be amicable despite the diplomatic lows that the two countries experienced in 2011 after the U.S.A. pursued and killed Osama Bin Laden deep within the Pakistan territory, apparently without the knowledge of Pakistan. What informs the current warming relations is the experiences that the two countries have gone through and the concerns they have been sharing since the cold war years. Pakistan has depended on USA for arms and ammunitions, humanitarian aid and grants as well as the capacity to fight the extremist groups hence having shared visions from historical times (Gul A., 2014). This is what shapes the current relations where despite the few differences, they still hold a lot of significance to their diplomatic relations.