Neo realism and Neoliberalism in International Relations

Neo realism  

Neo-realism, also known as structural realism or defensive realism, is a theoretical perspective in  international relations that builds upon classical realism, particularly the works of Kenneth Waltz. Neo realism seeks to explain state behavior in the international system by focusing on the structural constraints  and systemic dynamics that shape their actions. 

Here's an overview of neo-realism, including its thinkers,  types, explanation, and underlying assumptions: 

• Thinkers: 

Kenneth Waltz: 

Waltz is considered the foremost proponent and influential figure of neo-realism. His book  "Theory of International Politics" outlines the key tenets of the theory and its structural approach to  international relations. 

Behavioural approach and System approach in International Relations

John Mearsheimer: 

Mearsheimer has made significant contributions to neo-realism, particularly through  his emphasis on the security dilemma, balance of power, and the concept of offensive realism. 

• Types of Neo-realism: 

Defensive Realism: 

This variant of neo-realism, associated with Kenneth Waltz, argues that states  primarily seek to maintain their security and survival in an anarchic international system. Defensive realists  contend that states are primarily concerned with avoiding aggression and protecting their territorial  integrity. 

Offensive Realism: 

This variant, associated with John Mearsheimer, takes a more pessimistic view and  argues that states seek to maximize their power and influence, including by pursuing offensive strategies.  Offensive realists contend that the anarchic structure of the international system drives states to seek  relative power advantages to enhance their security. 

• Explanation: 

Neo-realism offers the following key explanations for state behavior: 

Structure over State: 

Neo-realism places significant emphasis on the structural constraints imposed by  the international system. It argues that the distribution of power and the anarchic nature of the system  shape state behavior more than the internal characteristics of states. 

Neo realism and Neoliberalism in International Relations

Balancing and Self-Help: 

Neo-realists contend that states engage in balancing behavior to counter  potential threats. They seek to maintain a balance of power through alliances, military capabilities, and  strategic calculations. 

Security Dilemma: 

Neo-realism emphasizes the security dilemma, whereby one state's efforts to enhance  its security can inadvertently threaten other states, leading to an escalation of arms and conflict. 

Relative Gains: 

Neo-realism suggests that states are concerned with relative gains rather than absolute  gains. They are more concerned with ensuring their position in relation to other states, rather than  absolute levels of power or wealth.

Theories and Approaches: Classical approach Idealism, Realism

• Assumptions: 

Anarchy: 

Neo-realism assumes that the international system is anarchic, meaning there is no centralized  authority to enforce rules and order. This leads to a self-help system, where states rely on their own  capabilities for security. 

State Rationality: 

Neo-realism assumes that states are rational actors driven by self-interest and a desire  to survive. States are expected to make calculations based on strategic considerations. 

Unitary Actors: 

Neo-realism treats states as unitary actors, assuming that decision-making is centralized  and coherent within each state. 

Distribution of Power: 

Neo-realists argue that the distribution of power among states is a central  determinant of their behavior. The relative distribution of power influences state strategies and  interactions. 

It's worth noting that neo-realism is one among several theoretical perspectives in international relations,  each offering a distinct lens for understanding state behavior and the dynamics of the international system. 

Neo realism and Neoliberalism in International Relations

Neoliberalism  

Neoliberalism, also known as institutional liberalism or liberalism, is a theoretical perspective in  international relations that emphasizes the importance of cooperation, international institutions, and  economic interdependence. It builds upon classical liberal ideas and seeks to explain state behavior and  international outcomes through the lens of liberal principles. 

Here's an overview of neoliberalism,  including its thinkers, types, explanation, and underlying assumptions: 

• Thinkers: 

Robert Keohane: 

Keohane is a prominent scholar associated with neoliberalism. His work on international  institutions and regime theory has been influential in the field. 

Joseph Nye: 

Nye's concept of "soft power" and his analysis of complex interdependence have contributed  to neo-liberal thought. 

• Types of Neoliberalism: 

Liberal Institutionalism: 

This variant of neo-liberalism emphasizes the role of international institutions,  regimes, and rules in shaping state behavior. It argues that cooperation can be achieved through these  institutions, which provide a framework for managing conflicts, facilitating negotiations, and promoting  shared norms. 

Neoliberal Institutionalism: 

This variant, often associated with Robert Keohane, focuses on the ability of  international institutions to shape state preferences and behavior. It highlights the role of institutions in  reducing uncertainty, providing information, and creating mechanisms for states to resolve conflicts  peacefully.

• Explanation: 

Neo-liberalism offers the following key explanations for state behavior: 

Cooperation and Interdependence: 

Neo-liberalism emphasizes the potential for cooperation among  states, based on the belief that actors can pursue shared interests and mutual gains. It highlights the  benefits of economic interdependence, arguing that it creates incentives for states to avoid conflict and  engage in mutually beneficial exchanges. 

International Institutions and Regimes: 

Neo-liberalism underscores the importance of international  institutions, regimes, and legal frameworks in facilitating cooperation and resolving conflicts. These  institutions provide forums for negotiation, dispute settlement mechanisms, and opportunities for states  to build trust and coordinate their actions. 

Complex Interdependence: 

Neo-liberalism emphasizes the concept of complex interdependence, where  states are interconnected in multiple issue areas and face a range of non-military challenges. This  interdependence necessitates cooperation and coordination among states to address common problems,  such as economic stability, environmental issues, and global health. 

• Assumptions: 

Cooperation Over Conflict: 

Neo-liberalism assumes that states have the potential and willingness to  cooperate to achieve mutual benefits. It contends that cooperation can overcome the zero-sum thinking  of realist approaches. 

International Institutions Matter: 

Neo-liberalism assumes that international institutions play a crucial role  in promoting cooperation, facilitating negotiations, and shaping state behavior. Institutions can provide  information, reduce transaction costs, and enforce agreements. 

Economic Interdependence: 

Neo-liberalism emphasizes the significance of economic interdependence,  arguing that it creates incentives for states to cooperate and avoid conflict. Trade, investment, and  economic ties contribute to stability and provide opportunities for cooperation. 

Non-Military Challenges: 

Neo-liberalism recognizes the importance of non-military challenges, such as  economic interdependence, environmental issues, and transnational problems. These challenges require  cooperation and collective action among states. 

Neo-liberalism is one of the major theoretical perspectives in international relations, offering an  alternative to realist perspectives. It focuses on the potential for cooperation, the role of institutions, and  the benefits of interdependence in shaping state behavior and international outcomes. 

Neo realism and Neoliberalism in International Relations