Theories of International Order: Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism in Global Transformations

Abstract

This article critically examines the explanatory power of four dominant international relations theories - balance of power realism, hegemonic stability realism, liberalism, and constructivism - across three major historical junctures: international relations during the Cold War, the end of the Cold War, and the evolution of the global economic order over the past half-century. While realism provides a compelling framework for understanding Cold War power dynamics and strategic rivalries, it struggles to account for the ideological and normative shifts that precipitated the collapse of the Soviet Union, where constructivism offers a more robust explanation. Meanwhile, liberalism and hegemonic stability theory help elucidate the workings of the international economic system, highlighting the role of institutions, interdependence, and U.S. dominance in shaping post-Cold War globalization. Drawing on empirical evidence, this study argues that no single theory fully captures the complexity of these historical transitions. Instead, an integrated theoretical approach that synthesizes power politics, institutional cooperation, and ideational transformation provides a more comprehensive understanding of the international order and disorder. By reassessing the strengths and limitations of each theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the ongoing debate on the relevance of traditional paradigms in contemporary global politics. It further situates this debate within the contemporary shift toward unbalanced multipolarity, in which the diffusion of power toward China, India, and other Global South actors, alongside the rise of artificial intelligence as a domain of great-power competition, is reshaping the empirical terrain on which these theories are tested. The study concludes that no single theory adequately explains the complexities of global politics. Thus, future research should examine the role of emerging global powers, non-state actors, and technological advancements in shaping the evolving international order.