Realists vs Liberals

Definitions

1. When realists observe the world system, they see primarily states struggling for power, each trying to consolidate its relative gains in a zero-sum game. The structure of the international system is thus rooted in this struggle, which is why realists contemplate little or no change in the structure of the international system.

2. A liberal, on the other hand, sees interdependence in the world system, a system in which every state cooperates on some level with other states. This cooperation is facilitated by institutions and established norms as it ensures that every state maximizes its gains. Absolute gains, therefore, rather than relative gains, are the focus of liberals.