1. Realism vs liberalism
In international politics, there are two main ways to understand how the world works:
liberalism and realism. These two theories have different ideas about how states
behave, why wars happen, and how peace can be created. While liberalism believes in
cooperation and freedom, realism focuses on power and self-interest. This essay will
explain both views and share my own opinion.
Body
Liberalism is based on the idea that people are good and that freedom leads to peace.
Thinkers like Kant believed that free and democratic countries are less likely to go to
war. Woodrow Wilson, after World War I, supported international cooperation and
helped create the League of Nations. Later, the United Nations Charter continued this
liberal idea: countries should work together, follow laws, and protect human rights.
Liberals believe that democracy, free trade, and international organizations help
avoid war. They say that democracies don’t fight each other (democratic peace
theory). Also, an open economy connects people and makes war less likely, as shown
by Adam Smith’s ideas. However, liberalism faces problems: what happens when
countries like Russia break international rules? Do sanctions really work? And can you
really force democracy, like in Iraq in 2003?
On the other hand, realism has a much more negative view of the world. It began during
World War II, when cooperation failed. Realists think that the world is in a state of
anarchy, meaning there is no world government. Thucydides, an ancient Greek writer,
said that fear and power lead to war. Hobbes also believed that people are selfish, and
without strong control, there will be chaos.
Realists believe that states only care about their own survival and power. They say
that there is no real international law that can stop war. Peace only comes from
balance of power and military strength, not from human rights or moral values. For
realists, what matters is not what is right or wrong, but what is necessary for the state.
Conclusion and Personal Opinion
Both liberalism and realism explain important parts of international politics. Realism
helps us understand conflict, power, and fear. But I personally agree more with
liberalism. Even if it sounds idealistic, I believe that freedom, cooperation, and human
rights are the best way forward. Realism may explain the world as it is, but liberalism
shows the world as it could be. In the end, we need hope and ideas—not just fear—to
build a better future.
, 2. Revolution: Arab spring
In 2010, a wave of protests and revolutions shook the Arab world. This movement
became known as the Arab Spring. It started with one man’s desperate act in Tunisia
and quickly spread to countries like Egypt, Libya, Syria, and Bahrain. The Arab Spring
was about people demanding freedom, justice, and dignity after decades of
dictatorship, corruption, and poverty. This essay will explain what happened, why it
happened, and what it meant for the Arab world.
Body
The Arab Spring began when Mohamed Bouazizi, a young street vendor in Tunisia, set
himself on fire after police mistreated him. His act sparked mass protests, and within
weeks, President Ben Ali fled the country. This inspired similar uprisings across the
region. In Egypt, huge crowds gathered in Tahrir Square and forced President Hosni
Mubarak to resign after 30 years in power. In Libya, protests turned into a civil war, and
Muammar Gaddafi was killed. In Syria, peaceful protests were met with brutal violence
by Bashar al-Assad’s regime, leading to a long and bloody war.
The reasons behind the Arab Spring were deep and serious. Many people suffered from
high unemployment, especially the youth. Governments were often corrupt, violent,
and undemocratic. Citizens had little freedom and few chances to change their
leaders. Social media also played a role—young people used Facebook and Twitter to
organize protests and share news with the world. People were no longer afraid to speak
out.
However, the results of the Arab Spring were very mixed. In Tunisia, the revolution led to
democratic elections and a new constitution. But in Egypt, democracy was short-lived.
The elected president Mohamed Morsi was removed by the army, and a new military-
led regime took power. In Libya, the country became chaotic, ruled by militias. In Syria
and Yemen, civil wars destroyed cities and killed hundreds of thousands. Only Tunisia
became a real democracy, but even there, things remain difficult.
Conclusion and Personal Opinion
The Arab Spring showed the world that Arab people want freedom and dignity just like
anyone else. It was a moment of hope and courage, but also of tragedy and
disappointment. In my opinion, the Arab Spring was important because it changed the
mindset of an entire generation. Even if most revolutions failed politically, people will
never forget the power they had when they stood together. I believe that real change
takes time, and that one day, the dreams of the Arab Spring can still come tru
In international politics, there are two main ways to understand how the world works:
liberalism and realism. These two theories have different ideas about how states
behave, why wars happen, and how peace can be created. While liberalism believes in
cooperation and freedom, realism focuses on power and self-interest. This essay will
explain both views and share my own opinion.
Body
Liberalism is based on the idea that people are good and that freedom leads to peace.
Thinkers like Kant believed that free and democratic countries are less likely to go to
war. Woodrow Wilson, after World War I, supported international cooperation and
helped create the League of Nations. Later, the United Nations Charter continued this
liberal idea: countries should work together, follow laws, and protect human rights.
Liberals believe that democracy, free trade, and international organizations help
avoid war. They say that democracies don’t fight each other (democratic peace
theory). Also, an open economy connects people and makes war less likely, as shown
by Adam Smith’s ideas. However, liberalism faces problems: what happens when
countries like Russia break international rules? Do sanctions really work? And can you
really force democracy, like in Iraq in 2003?
On the other hand, realism has a much more negative view of the world. It began during
World War II, when cooperation failed. Realists think that the world is in a state of
anarchy, meaning there is no world government. Thucydides, an ancient Greek writer,
said that fear and power lead to war. Hobbes also believed that people are selfish, and
without strong control, there will be chaos.
Realists believe that states only care about their own survival and power. They say
that there is no real international law that can stop war. Peace only comes from
balance of power and military strength, not from human rights or moral values. For
realists, what matters is not what is right or wrong, but what is necessary for the state.
Conclusion and Personal Opinion
Both liberalism and realism explain important parts of international politics. Realism
helps us understand conflict, power, and fear. But I personally agree more with
liberalism. Even if it sounds idealistic, I believe that freedom, cooperation, and human
rights are the best way forward. Realism may explain the world as it is, but liberalism
shows the world as it could be. In the end, we need hope and ideas—not just fear—to
build a better future.
, 2. Revolution: Arab spring
In 2010, a wave of protests and revolutions shook the Arab world. This movement
became known as the Arab Spring. It started with one man’s desperate act in Tunisia
and quickly spread to countries like Egypt, Libya, Syria, and Bahrain. The Arab Spring
was about people demanding freedom, justice, and dignity after decades of
dictatorship, corruption, and poverty. This essay will explain what happened, why it
happened, and what it meant for the Arab world.
Body
The Arab Spring began when Mohamed Bouazizi, a young street vendor in Tunisia, set
himself on fire after police mistreated him. His act sparked mass protests, and within
weeks, President Ben Ali fled the country. This inspired similar uprisings across the
region. In Egypt, huge crowds gathered in Tahrir Square and forced President Hosni
Mubarak to resign after 30 years in power. In Libya, protests turned into a civil war, and
Muammar Gaddafi was killed. In Syria, peaceful protests were met with brutal violence
by Bashar al-Assad’s regime, leading to a long and bloody war.
The reasons behind the Arab Spring were deep and serious. Many people suffered from
high unemployment, especially the youth. Governments were often corrupt, violent,
and undemocratic. Citizens had little freedom and few chances to change their
leaders. Social media also played a role—young people used Facebook and Twitter to
organize protests and share news with the world. People were no longer afraid to speak
out.
However, the results of the Arab Spring were very mixed. In Tunisia, the revolution led to
democratic elections and a new constitution. But in Egypt, democracy was short-lived.
The elected president Mohamed Morsi was removed by the army, and a new military-
led regime took power. In Libya, the country became chaotic, ruled by militias. In Syria
and Yemen, civil wars destroyed cities and killed hundreds of thousands. Only Tunisia
became a real democracy, but even there, things remain difficult.
Conclusion and Personal Opinion
The Arab Spring showed the world that Arab people want freedom and dignity just like
anyone else. It was a moment of hope and courage, but also of tragedy and
disappointment. In my opinion, the Arab Spring was important because it changed the
mindset of an entire generation. Even if most revolutions failed politically, people will
never forget the power they had when they stood together. I believe that real change
takes time, and that one day, the dreams of the Arab Spring can still come tru
