Kenneth Waltz Neo Realism Analysis

This paper represents the views and concepts on neo-realism/structural realism as propounded by American political scientist and international theorist Kenneth Waltz (June 8, 1924–May 12, 2013). His theories laid special emphasis on nuclear proliferation and international security best explained through his work “Theory of International Politics” published in 1979. Through his theories on structural realism Waltz aimed to cure the defects which existed in the theories propagated by classical realists i.e Morgenthau who imparted a more scientific approach into his concepts. This paper aims to provide an insight into the neo-realist conception fostered by Waltz, its features, its flaws and its critique from a constructivist perspective.

Each state being self-sufficient in their own needs also because of the fact that they have the rightful authority vested in them to achieve these ends, even if it involves the usage of force if it’s a matter of survival. Eg- the development of armed forces. Waltz assumes all states to have a equal sovereign status in the international field, neither having to subordinate to the demands of the other. Due to which also there persists a feeling of insecurity, underlying suspicion, rivalry and threat of aggression from other states. This perpetual insecurity Waltz says stems from the fact for that states try to amass more and more resources in order to raise their capabilities in attempt ot be always one step ahead of the competition- to escape this security dilemma. Waltz also describes as to how powerful states and democracies always tend to believe that their actions are just and good. And even though they might have different geographical and cultural backdrops, essentially all states perform the same basic tasks which includes governance, international interactions etc. The Structural realist theory was also a supporter of the bi-polar system of balance of power and distinguishes it from the multi-polar system that prevailed pre and post Cold War. Waltz supports the bi-polar system

It has been heavily criticised by the constructivists on the ground that it provides no room foreign policy making, which is actually independent of the state structure. The theory does not provide practical guidance to state leaders for policy making. The fact that Waltz has given secondary position to statecraft and its agents in his theory itself is rallied as criticism of his work. Criticised for ignoring the internal aspects that a state has- like its history, their culture and domestic changes. The failure of the neo-realists to forsee the disintegration of the U.S.S.R and the end of the Cold War is highlighted in this respect. However he did not deny their importance. Constructivists like Alexander Wendt counters neo-realist ideas by saying that the concept of “self-help” is socially constructed and does not stem out from the concept of “anarchy of power” which is fact a core neo-realist assumption. Neo-realism mainly deals with states as key actors in the international stage and their subsequent interdependence. The constructivists on the other hand focusses on the entire instruments of power rather than the relevant one alone. Unlike Neorealists constructivists do not discount the importance of material factors rather they try to find out the impact and effect of these ideas. The constructivist views that personal events and experiences shape our view of the world. Focusses on the larger view of the