Key Idea: Theories are lenses for seeing global politics — each highlights different things. Realism sees power and security; liberalism sees cooperation; constructivism sees ideas and identity; feminism and post-colonialism expose hidden inequalities. The exam skill: use theories to explain a situation, and know their bias and limits.
📚 The theories at a glance
The lenses
- 1.7.1 Realism — States pursue power and security in an anarchic world; conflict is normal (the security dilemma).
- 1.7.2 Liberalism — Cooperation is possible — trade, institutions and democracy can reduce conflict (e.g. the EU).
- 1.7.3 Constructivism — Ideas, identities and norms shape politics — 'anarchy is what states make of it'.
- 1.7.4–1.7.6 Critical theories — Feminism (gender & power), post-colonialism (empire's legacy & North–South), and comparing the lenses.
⚖️ The debates that come up
- Power & security vs cooperation
- Conflict vs institutions
- Judge: each explains part
- Realism/liberalism = the system
- Feminism/post-colonialism = hidden power
- Judge: critical theories reveal blind spots
- Each has a viewpoint
- None sees everything
- Judge: use them, know their limits
With reference to a source and one example you have studied, explain how realism and liberalism differ.
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
Important: Treating a theory as 'the truth'. Examiners reward students who use theories as <strong>lenses</strong> — applying them to real cases, comparing what each reveals, and stating their <strong>bias and limitations</strong> (no single theory sees everything).
Answer in your head first, then tap to reveal.
What is realism? The view that states pursue power and security in an anarchic world with no authority above them, so conflict is normal — captured by the security dilemma.
What is liberalism? The view that cooperation is possible and can reduce conflict, because trade, international institutions and democracy give states shared interests (e.g. the EU).
What is constructivism? The view that ideas, identities and norms — not just material power — shape politics: 'anarchy is what states make of it', so the world can change.
What do feminist and post-colonial theories add? Feminism exposes how gender shapes power and whose voices are heard; post-colonialism exposes the legacy of empire and North–South inequality — the blind spots of mainstream theories.
Why use theories as lenses, not truths? Because each theory highlights different things and has bias and limits — using several reveals more of a situation than relying on any one.
Exam tips
- Theories are LENSES — apply them to real cases.
- Realism (power) vs liberalism (cooperation) vs constructivism (ideas).
- Critical theories (feminism, post-colonialism) reveal hidden power.
- Always state a theory's bias and limitations.