Realists agree with the anarchical society theory accepting that there is anarchy in the global system, unlike liberals. Realists recognise the anarchical nature of society and that anarchy means that states will act as they decide (billiard ball model) whereas the liberal view is that the global system has a character of complex interdependence (cobweb model) and cooperation. Realists agree with the anarchical society theory that states do not accept any higher authority, unlike liberals. Realists would accept that states do not accept any higher authority and that tension, disagreement and war is a consequence whereas liberals would recognise international organisations and state acceptance of their decision making as an element of the provision of peace – Institutional Liberalism – Kantian Triangle. Liberals agree with the theory which suggests that a struggle for power is not inevitable, unlike realists. Liberals believe that power is unlimited and that all states can benefit through cooperation with international institutions mitigating basic state self-interest whereas realists believe in zero-sum theory and that there is a finite amount of power which will lead to conflict and tensions between competitive states Liberals would support the anarchical society and society of states theory in the belief that states have common interests and values, unlike liberals Liberals believe that common interests and values will bond states and ensure that states are able to find common ground and that cooperation will follow whereas realists believe that states reflect the selfish actions and greed of human nature which will be more significant than any short-term common agreement. Liberals would support the belief that states will develop a society of states built on norms, rules and values that they will agree to accept, unlike realists. Liberals accept the idea of a society of states built on norms, rules and values which may include the development of democracy (‘democratic peace thesis’-Fukuyama), international organisations and economic interdependence (Kantian Triangle) whereas realists believe that international organisations will be short lived or ineffective and that the security dilemma will mean that conflict is inevitable. 2024 Analyse how realism and liberalism differ over the main ideas of the anarchical society and society of states theory. (12 Marks) Synoptic Element – Candidates may refer to the following when analysing core political ideas: Conservatism core ideas and principles and how they relate to human nature, the state, society and the economy Hobbes-and the consequences of this for the state system and for likelihood of cooperation, his negative view of human nature and the dangers to civil society and likelihood of conflict Socialism core ideas and how they relate to human nature, the state, society and the economy. Greater optimism on human nature linked to the natural relationship among humans being cooperation and work for the common good – Marx - which makes the idea of a global society order and cooperation likely. Liberalism core ideas and how they relate to human nature, the state, society and the economy. Emphasis on the benefits of mutual cooperation and order and avoidance of war from both an economic and practical position – Locke.