Jared Knight

Mary Barker
May 6, 2016

Introduction To International
Relations
Reflection

A few months back I knew absolutely nothing concerning International Relations. In my

mind, I decided to take this course to be able to help me better understand the world that I live
in. My goal was to be able to learn not only how power was distributed in the United States but
also throughout the world. I desired to be able to take this information and use it in future, for
occupations and a personal understanding of life.
In the beginning of the course, I was introduced to theories I had never thought of before.
In fact, I had never thought there would be theories about how countries worked among each
other. Though I should have figured there would be. We looked at three main theories: Realism,
Liberal Internationalism, and Marxist - Leninism. Bringing with me to the course ignorance and
a lack of understanding made it tough for me to grasp the theories in their entirety. Still I have a
tough time completely understanding what they all mean. However, I feel I am now able to
understand and categorize opinions in these theories because I know the fundamental principles.
In the Realist theory, I learned it is a power struggle between states. They are seeking to
benefit themselves and put themselves into the best situation they can. Seeing the international

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arena as an anarchic system. The states must fight for themselves. It is a zero-sum system where
they benefit when others lose out. In all, it is a system full of struggles to balance the power.
Liberal Internationalism was a topic that I still struggle with. However, I did learn this
system views democracy as the best system of government to have in the world. Thinking wars
between democratic states are less likely than others. They look for free trade and capitalistic
gain.
Lastly, Marxist - Leninist theory looks at the International system as one that is controlled
by capitalism. Where the more powerful and developed states exploit the weaker. Saying all the
moves of a country are inspired by capitalistic motives for expansion to gain resources. Wars are
put into the context of what the motives for the countries gain economically as opposed to
spreading an ideology.
The highlight for me in the course was being able to choose, read and write a report on an
International Relations book. I chose to read Just and Unjust Wars by Michael Walzer. This book
really opened my mind to how and why wars are started, how they are acted out, and how and
when they should end. The theme was morality in war and what was just in basically every
situation. It helped me understand motives behind war and where we as a people draw the line.
For the basic understandings I have gained, I believe I will be able to apply the information
I have gained in the real world to better understand why things are happening and what to
expect because of them. I am able to understand more international politics and with continued
effort begin to be able to add to the conversation.

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