Neorealism or Structural Realism Neorealism Advanced by Kenneth

Neorealism or Structural Realism

Neorealism � Advanced by Kenneth N. Waltz in 1970 s � Wrote book Theory of International Politics (1979) � Definition of Neorealism: A theoretical account of states’ behavior that explains it as determined by differences in their relative power (instead of by other factors, such as their values, types of government, or domestic circumstances etc. )

ITS ASSUMPTIONS � Explanations of international relations at the systemic level of analysis are best and sufficient to account for the main trends and developments � Dismisses explanations developed at the individual or domestic level of analysis

ITS ASSUMPTIONS CONTINUED � ANARCHY � STATES REMAIN THE PRIMARY ACTORS � STATES DO NOT DIFFER IN THE TASK THEY FACE, ONLY IN THEIR CAPABILITIES � CAPABILITIES DEFINE THE POSITION OF STATES IN THE SYSTEM � DISTRIBUTION OF CAPABILITIES DEFINES THE STRUCTURE OF THE SYSTEM AND SHAPES HOW THE SOVEREIGN UNITS INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER

IMPORTANT ASSUMTPION: CONTINUES TO STRESS Power as a key Variable The quest for power is no longer considered an end in itself, as in realism; nor does it derive from human nature � States pursue power as a means of survival Power as a means of survival falls into two categories: 1. Internal efforts: a. moves to increase economic capability b. moves to increase military strength 2. External efforts: a. moves to strengthen or enlarge one’s own alliance b. moves to weaken or shrink an opposing alliance �

ITS ASSUMPTIONS CONTINUED � Balances of power form automatically because the instinct for survival drives states � Once the global system is formed, its structure “becomes a force that the units may not be able to control; it constrains their behavior and interposes itself between their intentions and the outcomes of their actions” (Ruggie, 1983)

The Power of Interstate of Systemic Level of Analysis � Structural constraints explain why the same methods are repeatedly used despite differences in the persons and states who use them (Waltz, Theory of International Politics)