Under review here are five prevailing Western theoretical
perspectives of current
international relations now in the process
of rapid, profound transformations. They are traditional realism, liberalism, the doctrines of a new system, of a global structure and of an
international framework. They all , however, stress just an important aspect in the current international life to the neglect of other factors. Traditional realism pays attention to the role of security and strength in disregard of the impact from globalization. Though aware of the fallout from globalization in the interaction among the international community, liberalism underestimates the continuity of the role of power balance in world affairs. While demonstrating the facts of enhanced international cooperation, advocates of a new system close their eyes to international conflicts and power politics. Despite their penetrating analysis of the divisions and contradictions in the world derived from economic strides, followers of a global structure fail to come up with an overall understanding of their repercussions on international relations. Stressing the role of such subjective, psychological factors as ideals and sense of global identity in international life, supporters of an international framework overlook the deciding factor of material interests at work behind the facade. All these show that we are in need of a combination of various factors. Only an overall approach can hopefully produce a theory of international relations more in conformity with realities confronting us.