ABSTRACT

How state leaders perceive what their national interests are is largely determined by what their outlook on the condition of international relations is. In this chapter the author will look at three theories of International Relations (IR), Realism, Liberalism, Power Transition, of which the first two arguably have had the greatest influence on the behavior of states in modern history. Using these theories will be to help develop some arguments to answer the key question presented in this book which is why, despite the common interests of consumers everywhere of wanting to have the best products and services at the lowest possible prices, states are not able to agree to have a common competition policy. For each of the theories the author gives an overview of their main tenets with an examination of some of the critical writings that have contributed to their development. The author also looks at how the adherence to some of these theories by state leaders may impact their view on what they consider to be their national interests that extend beyond what would be the common fundamental national interest of all states: the protection of sovereignty.