Different theories and schools of international relations see the character of international system differently; they have differing views on how it functions, or how it should solve its problems. Realists define it through power, the most powerful states can reach their goals and “rule” over others, because the system is highly dependent on power capabilities and the cooperation between states or people is improbable. On the other side, liberalists are convinced that cooperation certainly exists, and this is the only way to preserve peace and wellbeing of nations, based on the rule of law, democracy and so on. Institutionalism thinks of cooperation as a concept which should be followed, emphasizing the most important role of international organizations, which are the “depositories” of prosperity, in solving the problems, and settling disputes between nations. So the desirable way of international system is that every state is a member of some organization, following its rules and goals.
The line of opinions could be continued, and it is obvious that the nature of the international system can be seen through the glasses of different theories, and it depends on which one we accept as true. However, the international relations in the past and the present with respect to the various events of the world reveal more about the international system.
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