Neo Realism In International Relations
ABSTRACT
This essay reviews the paradigm of neo-realism (also known as structural realism), a sub-sect of realism and one of the most influential theories in the study and analysis of international relations. Firstly, the essay will list and analyze the key elements of the neo-realist school of thought, as well as its variants. Then, the application of this paradigm will be examined in the case of the balance of power in Southeast Asia, focusing on the relationships among the key players in the area – namely China, Vietnam and the United States.
KEY ELEMENTS
Neo-realism is a reformulation of the classical realist school of thought, first introduced by Kenneth Waltz in “Theory of International Politics”, to fit with the new happenings of the
…show more content…
Every actor in the system takes actions to ensure their survival, whether it is through increasing their capabilities or forging alliances with other states. Survival serves as the prerequisite to the state’s other domestic and foreign goals. Therefore, the rise in power of one particular state is considered a threat to the other state actors in the international political system where security is not assured. Waltz also states that world structures are formed by the action of their units - states. Whether these units live, prosper, or die depends on their own efforts – resulting in a principle of self-help forming the basis of these units’ actions. [2]
One last aspect of neo-realism is the assumption that states are unitary and rational actors in a complex system. They can cooperate for mutual benefits while they make strategic economic, diplomatic and military efforts. At times they can miscalculate and make severe errors, but they retain the ability to remain impartial, attack other states, or negotiate and
…show more content…
can coexist semi-peacefully through effective balancing; however offensive realists such as Mearsheimer see possibilities for future conflicts among actors in this region – perceiving the acts of China and the U.S. as a competition for hegemony in the region. They argue that China’s rise will lead to an escalating strategic competition between it and the U.S. “A wealthy China would not be a status quo power but an aggressive state determined to achieve regional hegemony.” [3] As such the U.S. will attempt to form a balancing coalition with other countries in the region to counteract China’s domination of Southeast Asia. This has been seen in its partial support of Vietnam in the South China Sea dispute, giving it the necessary military capabilities to confront Chinese
John J Mearsheimer's Anarchy And The Struggle For Power
126 Words | 1 PagesFor Mearsheimer, this is the very basis of realistic thinking and in turn equates international order to anarchy. 2. Great powers maintain and continue to acquire militaristic capabilities in order to eradicate the idea of weakness and establish sovereignty over lesser powers. 3. A country can never be sure of another country’s motive hence each party is left
Mao Zedong Foreign Policy
1763 Words | 8 PagesThe transition of power in China changed the dynamics of post-World War II relations. For the United States, the so-called “Loss of China” was a a catastrophe, not only because the US supported Chiang Kai-shek in the last few years, but also because it seems to be a victory for the Soviet Union and the global Communism. For China, in 1949 started for the first time in its history the possibility to build foreign relations without being “suppressed by unequal treaties” by western powers. But China‘s relations to other countries remained very complicated and complex.
Realist Approach To Military Security
2260 Words | 10 PagesLooking back over the development of the Security Studies field, there can be no doubt that the realist tradition has exercised enormous influence. Even the harshest of critics can acknowledge that with their focus on power, fear, and anarchy, realist theories have provided centrally important explanations for conflict and war (Williams, 2013). One interpretation of realism that is unbroken amongst most commentators of the theory is that realists are individuals that believe the State is the principle actor in international politics and that they are very concerned with the balance of power (Marsalis, 2013). They argue that all the State’s actions and choices are a reflection of the collective will of the people, which is also an argument
Realism Vs. Liberalism In International Relations
902 Words | 4 PagesThe theory unleashes such dynamic forces that from the time of its inception up till now it has governed the international system of the world however things one day itself fall apart. The Realists mark the State as the locus of different international circles and these sovereign states have vested interests which are always selfish. Realism is a heartless theory, man is not supposed to be selfish in the way exaggerated by the Realist thinker however [he] is a seeker of knowledge and what so ever he stumbles upon, he keeps
Realism, Constructivism And Post-Structuralism
958 Words | 4 PagesConstructivism Realism agrees with the theory that says the world is in anarchy (chaos). Constructivism also said that international relations can be established through conflict and cooperation. So here assessed the importance of existing institutions, namely through regulative and constitutive. Each country needs to comply with the decree. If away, then there are various forms of action to be taken such as military, economic supply restrictions and others.
Analysis Of Adam Watson's Evolution Of International Society
740 Words | 3 Pagesnational politics Adam Watson’s Evolution of International Society gave a new dimension in the understanding of international relations (IR). He deeply studied comparatively the formation of international society and political community of the past which has evolved into the modern world system in his ‘Evolution of International Society’. Unlike Kenneth Waltz views of anarchy as the only system in IR, Watson says there are two systems viz. anarchy and hierarchy. In between these systems is the hegemony which defines the contemporary IR.
Anarchy In International Relations
1610 Words | 7 PagesHe argues that due to the absence of a international governing body, states should actively pursue conflict in order to ensure their own survival. He goes on to use economic concepts to describe his viewpoint of the anarchical structure of international politics. He says, “The market arises out of the activities of separate units--persons and firms--whose aims and efforts are directed not toward creating order but rather fulfilling their own internally defined interests by whatever means they can muster”(Waltz, 52). This supports the realist argument that states operate based on self interest and, contrasting with Wendt, do not consider their identities within the international system.
Realism And Idealism In International Relations
897 Words | 4 PagesIdealism and Realism are two strongly opposed views of foreign policy. At the core of this opposition is the issue of power and security in politics. Realism establishes a separation between politics and ethics in order to understand and comprehend international events. Realists don’t oppose morality to politics, nor power to law, but rather oppose the utopian peaceful society to the nature of society.
Similarities Between Realism And Liberalism
1938 Words | 8 PagesThe current work is meant to explain the differences and similarities between the most dominant theories in international relations, Realism and Liberalism, both theories have some similarities and differences but much more important and interesting is to discuss and explain what differs and makes similar both theories. Conflicts and wars, Similarities and differences between Realism and Liberalism: Both Liberalism and Realism believes that there is no world government that can prevent countries to go to war on one another. For both theories military power is important and both Realism and Liberalism can understand that countries can use military power to get what they need or want. Also, both theories are conscious that without military
Waltz's Theory Of Neorealism
1036 Words | 5 PagesInstead Waltz sets out to prove his international relations theory in a scientific manner, while choosing to ignore the normative concerns of classical and neoclassical realism (Jackson and Sørensen, 2003: 84). The theory of neorealism – or structural realism – focuses on structures (and on the interacting units, the constants and the changes of the system) as the determinative powers within the scope of international relations (main principle of those being that of anarchy). Jackson and Sørensen (2003: 84) also point out that actors are viewed
Difference Between Classical And Classical Realism
795 Words | 4 PagesClassical realism and structural realism are both theories of International Relations, therefore huge differences are noticed in between those two. The main difference lies in the motivation to power, which is seen differently by both theories. Classical realism is concentrated in the desire of power- influence, control and dominance as basic to human nature. Whereas, structural realism is focused on the international system anarchic structure and how the great powers behave. Classical realists believe that power is related to human nature, thus their analysis of individuals and states is similar.
The Eurocentric Nature Of International Relations Theory And World Politics
1795 Words | 8 PagesAs the famous saying goes, “The strong do what they will while the weak do what they must," so let it be with the counties of the world and the role they play in International Politics. Eurocentrism is a concept that places Europe at the centre of the world. Assuming that it is self containing and self representing, the entire world is looked at with Europe at the centre. Eurocentrism bias leads to an illogical understanding of International Relations and makes politics and judgement to incline in the favour of the powerful. In this essay, I will critique the Eurocentric nature of International Relations theory and world politics.
The Theory Of Idealism In International Relations
1253 Words | 6 PagesThe Theory of Idealism in International Relations. Ojochogwu Aladi Enape Schiller International University. The theories in International relations are assertions that try to explain and justify how international structures work and the characteristics of ever changing interactions across territories.
Similarities Between Realism And Idealism
1381 Words | 6 PagesThe international relations schools of thought known as Realism and Idealism identify specific and similar characteristics of actors in the conceptual development of their theories. While many of these characteristics can be generalized as being synonymous with the two theories, both theories make a separate distinction in what specifically constitutes an actor. In Realism, the term “actor” refers directly and solely to the state: a combination of government, leaders, decision-makers, etc, that act as a unitary entity to promote the interests of the state. Idealists, however, expand on what constitutes an actor to include both the state and people. Not only do the principles of Idealism assert that the state and people should be considered actors, in fact, both they must be viewed as actors.
Marxism In International Organizations
945 Words | 4 PagesBrad Conley Prof. Greg Young IAFS 1000-1004 Though the international system today shares many aspects of realism, neoliberalism, constructivism, and marxism, neoliberalism is the predominant principles under which the international system operates. With the formation of several influential international governmental organizations (IGOs), the world has become a much safer place. Though neoliberal ideas draw from realism in the fact that the international system is in anarchy, neoliberalism dictates that the world is in a form of structured anarchy, perpetuated by the IGOs that governments partake in. By strengthening webs of interdependence, countries find the ability to interact amicably, and build up reliance upon one another. As countries
More about Neo Realism In International Relations
John J Mearsheimer's Anarchy And The Struggle For Power
126 Words | 1 PagesMao Zedong Foreign Policy
1763 Words | 8 PagesRealist Approach To Military Security
2260 Words | 10 PagesRealism Vs. Liberalism In International Relations
902 Words | 4 PagesRealism, Constructivism And Post-Structuralism
958 Words | 4 PagesAnalysis Of Adam Watson's Evolution Of International Society
740 Words | 3 PagesAnarchy In International Relations
1610 Words | 7 PagesRealism And Idealism In International Relations
897 Words | 4 PagesSimilarities Between Realism And Liberalism
1938 Words | 8 PagesWaltz's Theory Of Neorealism
1036 Words | 5 PagesDifference Between Classical And Classical Realism
795 Words | 4 PagesThe Eurocentric Nature Of International Relations Theory And World Politics
1795 Words | 8 PagesThe Theory Of Idealism In International Relations
1253 Words | 6 PagesSimilarities Between Realism And Idealism
1381 Words | 6 PagesMarxism In International Organizations
945 Words | 4 Pages