Comparing Functionalism To Realism
John McCormick compares functionalism's fundamental principles with realism's thus (comments added to emphasise key distinctions) :
| Realism | Functionalism | Comments | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominant goals of actors | Military security | Peace and prosperity | security through: Power vs collaboration | |
| Instruments of state policy | Military force and economic instruments | Economic instruments and political acts of will | State policy of assertion vs negotiation | |
| Forces behind agenda formation | Potential shifts in the balance of power and security threats | Initial emphasis on low politics, such as economic and social issues | Agenda sought: maintenance of position vs reaching consensus | |
| Role of international organizations | Minor; limited by state power and the importance of military force | Substantial; new, functional international organizations will formulate policy and become increasingly responsible for implementation | International involvement: minimal vs substantial | |
Read more about this topic: Functionalism In International Relations
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