Great Capitalist Peace

The Great Capitalist Peace is an idea that is quite irrational, yet something that seems rational coming from Ethical Realism. Most of the book plays off in this way, offering solutions in a way that seem incredible and likely to solve many of the world's problems, yet when thinking outside of the book, the irrationality of it is obvious. Having a Great Capitalist Peace includes the idea of having an international economy that links countries together. This idea alone is very idealistic, not to mention the hoped-for outcome of a secured world peace.

As I have argued often, including my analytical essay, I believe that international relations can be explained through the theory of realism. I understand the points of liberalism and conservatism and some of the more 'idealistic' ideas that fit into these categories more than that of realism, yet in the end, everything can be proved back to realism. The constant argument that states will continue in competition to create security, build a military and conquer to ensure security, is still relevant. This is the main goal. Therefore, it is not possible that a Great Capitalist Peace could in fact create 'world peace,' whatever that might mean. The nature of states is to be warring. Not only that... as we have discusses at moments, someone must be on the bottom and others on the top. The authors include the fact that the United States will be a leader in the global scheme, yet will not be an empire. It is important to remember history at this moment also and the fact that the United States with its imperialist acts has dominated for many years now and it is not easy to switch from being the capitalistic and imperialistic country to a 'leader.' As the economy increases because of supposed increased satisfaction through an international economy, I believe that larger gaps will be created between the wealthy and poor countries because everyone will strive for more revenue and trade, and this causes competition, leading back to security.

The argument never ceases. The ideas of ethical realism offer yes, an 'ethical' way of looking at things, yet realistic? No. Idealism is natural coming from the United States and from humans in general, but it specifically applies to the views of our nation. We seem to think that what we should do and what we can do are the same thing and we do not see the complications that come from our actions. Having a Great Capitalist Peace where the United States is a 'main player' will only cause more tension in the international world.