Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Political Science - Essay Example ssumed that, â€Å"in the face of a convergence in canons of taste, conceptions of work, recreation, and consumption, people would also take on a more international identity and thus render the nation-state less salient than in the past.† (140) However, as it turned out, neither communications nor the wonders of technology could significantly erode the nation-state. As a matter of fact, it appears to reinforce it. In the perspective of the realists, countries must deal with the challenges that globalization brings by expansive projection of national power such as through increases in military capacities and efforts to open its market to foreign trade. The realism approach to international relations is anchored on the idea that the current international system is inherently lawless that a nation can protect itself from the power of others through alliances and diplomacy if possible and military force if necessary. (Starr 2007, 114) Amid globalization, we have seen the reemergence of rampant nationalism as illustrated in the Balkan conflict, in the areas of the former Soviet Union and to some degree, the relationship of countries within the European Union, one of the success stories of global integration. The realist perspec tive fosters nationalism and the strengthening of national institutions to address the challenges that international economics, politics and security entail. In this theory, a higher level of integration is not necessary to address international challenges. The idea is that integration must be used as a tool to advance national interest and not the way around. Essay Question : Which of these theories - realism, liberal institutionalism, constructivism, and dependency theory- in your view, best explains the central themes and events of the post-Cold War world? While I may be tempted to choose liberalism or dependency theory to explain international contemporary relations, I feel that more recent developments requires us to examine the merits of