International relations consists of three major paradigms that explain the relationships between two or more states.

Realism

Realism focuses on the fact that there is anarchy in the international system. Anarchy is where there is no higher authority governing relationships between states. States are viewed as the ultimate authority or sovereign over the people and government. As a result, the paradigm focuses on gaining power to ensure a state's survival from other enemy states in the world. Not doing so will lead a state to risk its security in the international system. Decisions made with a realist mindset does not focus on the ethical considerations behind the choice. Instead, the major factor in a decision is whether the state is gaining power over states.

Liberalism

Liberalism, like realism, acknowledges that anarchy in the international system exists. However, liberalism differs in the response to anarchy as liberals believe that making alliances will lead to a decrease of anarchy. A famous example of a liberal organization is the United Nations. The organization reduces anarchy in the system as it provides sovereign states with a higher authority that can solve major issues in the international system. An additional way that liberalism affects international relations is that greater economic alliances can lead to a lesser chance of conflict since the states do not want to risk their economic power in the world. In summary, liberalism focuses on having reciprocity between states with absolute gains rather than a power struggle.

Constructivism

Constructivism originated after the paradigms of realism and liberalism couldn't explain the fall of the Soviet Union. Constructivism believes that individuals with their personal ideas and norms drive international relations. If the people within a state have a deep hatred for an opposing state, then the state itself would not have relations with the enemy state due to the ideals of the people. Nongovernment organizations such as Habitat for Humanity or Amnesty International are essential to the paradigm as they allow for the diffusion of ideas and norms to the population within a state.