In contrast, most US presidents have the liberal view (this is not liberal v conservative) of relations. Its an ideological view focused on promoting the ideals of democracy. The idea they push is that if they can spread democracy and free trade we can eliminate war.

In practice this view hasn't actually panned out so well. Take a look at the middle east for example. It sounds good and knowing how this lens works is useful to understand how a ruler coming from a realist view would conflict with one holding a liberal view.

This is basically how most people don't understand conflicts like the one between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is realist and Ukraine or NATO is coming from an idealistic liberal point of view.

If one understands that Putin is looking at the "practical" and you look at a map of NATO nations you can better understand the conflict.

The world is not as simple as the media and the rulers of the world would have you believe. It is full of bad guys and few if no good guys. NATO might be pitching the liberal world order but that doesn't mean there aren't wealthy bankers, arms dealers, and elites that see the world through the realist lens. Follow the money. Always.