Final answer:
Liberals see the lack of cooperative institutions as the main problem of anarchy, advocating for greater investment in international collaboration, while realists view the pursuit of power and security in a self-help system as the primary problem, emphasizing the creation of a balance of power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Liberals and realists both recognize that anarchy poses challenges for international cooperation, though their perspectives on the primary problems stemming from anarchy differ. Liberals suggest that the primary problem is the lack of cooperative institutions that can help align sometimes conflicting state interests towards the greater good of the international community. They focus on the idea that greater investment in international institutions and a collaborative system can mitigate the drawbacks of anarchy by promoting collective security and the mutual benefit of all states. On the other hand, realists contend that the main issue arising from anarchy is the relentless pursuit of power and security by states in a self-help system, which leads to a security dilemma and potential conflicts. Realists emphasize that states, acting as rational actors, strive to create a balance of power to secure their own survival in an anarchic international system, where there is no overarching authority to enforce cooperation or adjudicate disputes.