Compare and contrast potential Realist and Liberalist policies (from an American perspective) towards the recent uprisings in the Middle East.

I know the difference between realist and liberalism but I'm just not seeing how to connect them to the recent events in the Middle East.

When comparing and contrasting Realist and Liberalist policies towards the recent uprisings in the Middle East from an American perspective, it is important to consider the fundamental differences between the two approaches.

1. Realism:
Realism is an international relations theory that emphasizes the pursuit of national self-interest and the balance of power among nations. Realists believe that states act primarily to ensure their own security and maximize their relative power in the international system. Applying Realist principles to the recent uprisings in the Middle East, a potential Realist policy from an American perspective would focus on safeguarding American interests, such as maintaining stability in the region and ensuring access to vital resources like oil.

- Military intervention: A Realist approach might prioritize military interventions to protect American interests in the region. This could involve supporting or overthrowing governments based on their alignment with American interests. For example, the United States' military involvement in Iraq in 2003 can be seen as a Realist policy aimed at securing stability and influence in the Middle East.
- Securing allies: Realism would emphasize the formation of strategic alliances with Middle Eastern states that share common interests, such as access to resources or countering regional adversaries. This approach might prioritize supporting governments that are perceived as stable and pro-American, even if they have poor human rights records.

2. Liberalism:
Liberalism, on the other hand, focuses on promoting values such as democracy, human rights, and international cooperation. Liberals believe that states can work together to achieve common goals and that cooperation is beneficial for both national and global security. When considering Liberalist policies towards the recent uprisings in the Middle East, an American perspective would likely involve principles such as promoting democracy and supporting human rights.

- Diplomatic engagement: A Liberal approach would prioritize diplomatic engagement with various actors involved in the uprisings, including both governments and opposition groups. The objective would be to encourage peaceful solutions, dialogue, and respect for human rights.
- Promoting democracy: Liberalism advocates for the promotion of democratic values and institutions. From an American perspective, this might involve supporting pro-democracy movements and encouraging transitioning governments towards democratic governance.
- Humanitarian aid: Liberalists believe in providing humanitarian assistance to regions in conflict. In the context of the uprisings in the Middle East, the United States might prioritize providing aid to support refugees, alleviate suffering, and help reconstruct war-torn areas.

In summary, while Realism focuses on maximizing national interests and ensuring stability and power, Liberalism emphasizes promoting democratic values, human rights, and international cooperation. From an American perspective, defining policies towards the recent uprisings in the Middle East would depend on a combination of Realist and Liberalist principles, seeking a balance between safeguarding American interests and promoting democratic ideals and regional stability.