Explain the various facets of the idealist approach to the study of international relations. Comment on its contemporary relevance. 10 Marks. (UPSC CSE Mains 2024- Political Science and International Relations, Paper 2)
Idealism accepts the possibility of creating a world free from evils depending on human reason, science and education. Political Idealism in IR, represents a set of ideas which together oppose war and advocates the reform of international community through dependence upon moral values and the development of international institutions and and international law.
The idealists were driven by a desire to develop a set of institutions, procedures, and practices that could eradicate, or at least control, war in the international system. They were motivated by the horrors of the First World War and they sincerely believed that there must be a better way to organize international affairs. The most visible, and historically important, aspect of their programme cohered in Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen-point Plan for a new postwar order.
- Human nature is essentially good and capable of good deeds in IR.
- Human welfare and advancement are the concerns of all .
- Bad human behaviour is the product of bad environment and bad institutions.
- By reforming the environment, bad human behaviour can be eliminated.
- War represents the worst features of relations
- By reforming IR, war can be and should be eliminated.
- Global effects are needed to end war, violence and tyranny from IR.
- International community should work for eliminating such global instruments, practices which can lead to war.
- International institutions committed to preserve international peace, international law and order should be developed for securing peace, prosperity and development.
While idealism may be criticized for its perceived naivety and lack of practicality in the face of power politics, its emphasis on moral values, cooperation, and the role of international institutions remains significant in shaping discussions about global governance and international relations. Idealist perspectives continue to inform debates on how to create a more just and peaceful world. The optimism of the Idealists can be combined with the rationality of the Realists who focus on real behaviour of the states i.e. to safeguard their national interests for survival and power.
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