Instance study - Book Report/Review Example

Application of theory to practice There are four major theories that scholars, politicians, and citizens use to analyze the world around them. These theories consist of liberalism, realism, radicalism and constructivism. Constructivism refers to an abstractionist artistic movement in Russia after World War I; industrial materials were used to construct nonrepresentational objects Realism is the attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth ( Peter, #28).Realist theory continues to be one of the most accurate tools for understanding the events in the sphere of international relations.

To begin with, several aspects related to the ongoing conflict in Syria can be explained through looking at Realist theory. Realists consider that states have the highest authority in the international system, given the condition of anarchy. For instance, Russia, along with China, as permanent members of the Security Council, vetoed three UN resolutions that aimed to sanction the Syrian regime and cease violence. Accordingly, these states had the influence to block United Nations support of foreign military intervention in Syria.

Regarding the United States – Russia relationship, even though the latter implemented a democratic and capitalist regime after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the rancor that started in the Cold War era can still be noticed. Although the current international system does not involve the concept of ‘superpower’, Russia seems to continue its opposition of the USA in potential pursuit of this title. As presented previously, Russia takes measures in order to preserve its influence over areas such as Syria and Iran, which risk undergoing changes that favor the United States ( peter, 45)Another current problem that Realism can help understand is Iran’s nuclear policy.

The nuclear program started in the 1950s and was cancelled after the Islamic revolution of 1979. Nevertheless, it was resumed in the final part of the war against Iraq, as “Tehran wanted to guard against a future surprise analogous to Iraq’s repeated use of chemical weapons”. This policy was in conformity with Machiavellian principles, which focus on prudence and forethought, arguing that a state should “ward off any threat posed by his or her neighbors” At present, Iran’s principal antagonist in the region is Israel, which is widely thought to possess nuclear power, although “its nuclear capability is arguably the most secretive weapons of mass destruction programme in the world” (BBC News, 2003).

As a conclusion, it can be said that although it is hard to determine which theoretical perspective explains most precisely the events occurring at the international level, realism makes a major contribution to the comprehension of the current situation in international relations. Work citedPeter Northouse. Leadership: Theory and Practice. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage, 2004.Print.