The functionalist approach to international relations, emerging in the interwar and post–World War II period, provides an alternative to traditional realist conceptions of world politics. While realism focuses on power, sovereignty, and conflict, functionalism emphasizes technical cooperation, issue-based integration, and gradual evolution toward global governance through non-political institutions. Deeply rooted in the liberal tradition, functionalism … Continue reading Critically examine the functionalist approach to international relations, focusing on its theoretical assumptions, emphasis on technical cooperation and integration, and its limitations in addressing power politics, conflict, and state-centric interests in the global system.