Realism and morality. (c2004)

Abstract

Realism and morality are recognized as parallel forces that are in an eternal dilemma in international relations. Historically, the United States foreign policy was a reflection of this vicious circle. In the current Bush administration, the U.S is trying to practice a "realist" engulfed ideology of foreign policy throughout the Middle East and especially in Iraq. It aims at using Iraq as a model to democratize the entire Middle East, regardless of their cultural and religious affinities. Knowing that Iraq was ruled by a totalitarian regime, there is no doubt that it is difficult to assimilate democracy as a new ideology. Although it has been proven that morality is interpreted differently by various cultures, the U.S seems to ignore this reality by trying to impose Western democracy in Iraq. Democracy is believed to be unworkable in Iraq, because where democracy and morality flourishes in one culture it might not see the light in another.