ABSTRACT
Realism and liberalism represent mainstream theories to internationalrelations and international organizations. Often thought of as the“conventional wisdom” in global governance, realism and liberalism approximate widely held worldviews about how the world operates and the role of international organizations within the broader context of world politics. Both theories are rooted in rich intellectual traditions, and each describes different actors and dynamics in international politics. In this chapter, we systematically examine their philosophical roots and organizing assumptions. Then we apply those theoretical frameworks to explain the creation and maintenance of international organizations. We also look at the role international organizations play in the governance of world affairs.
