Neorealism

Summary

In this video, Noah Zerbe provides an overview of neorealism, a prominent theory in international relations, developed by Kenneth Waltz in the 1970s. Neorealism builds upon classical realism but diverges by focusing on the anarchic nature of the international system as the key driver of state behavior, rather than human nature. Neorealists argue that states act in their own interest, prioritizing national security in a self-help environment. The video highlights key differences between classical realism and neorealism, and explores the role of power, state behavior, and the structure of the international system in shaping global politics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Neorealism, introduced in the late 1970s, became one of the most influential theories in international relations, alongside neoliberalism.
• 😀 Kenneth Waltz's 1979 book 'The Theory of International Politics' is the foundational text of neorealism, marking a break from classical realism.
• 😀 Both neorealism and classical realism assert that states are the principal actors in global politics, acting as rational unitary entities pursuing national interests.
• 😀 Both neorealism and classical realism believe that the distribution of power between states largely determines international outcomes.
• 😀 The main difference between classical realism and neorealism is that neorealism focuses on the anarchic nature of the international system as the primary driver of state behavior, not human nature.
• 😀 Classical realism argues that state behavior is driven by human nature, with humans being power-seeking and self-interested, while neorealism rejects this explanation.
• 😀 Neorealism views the lack of a global governing authority (anarchy) as the reason why states must protect themselves, viewing other states as potential threats.
• 😀 While classical realism emphasizes historical context and philosophical analysis, neorealism is more focused on a scientific, structural understanding of global politics.
• 😀 Neorealism shifts the focus from military power to national security, which includes state capacity beyond just military strength.
• 😀 Neorealism argues that states cannot trust each other due to the self-help nature of the international system, leading to an emphasis on relative rather than absolute gains.

Q & A

What is the foundational text of neorealism in international relations?

The foundational text of neorealism is Kenneth Waltz's 1979 book 'The Theory of International Politics'.

How does neorealism differ from classical realism?

Neorealism differs from classical realism primarily in its explanation of state behavior. Neorealists argue that state behavior is shaped by the anarchic structure of the international system, whereas classical realists believe it is rooted in human nature.

What shared assumptions do classical realism and neorealism have about global politics?

Both classical realism and neorealism assert that states are the principal actors in global politics, they are rational and unitary actors pursuing their national interest, and the distribution of power or capabilities between states determines international outcomes.

Why do neorealists focus on the structure of the international system?

Neorealists focus on the structure of the international system because they believe that the anarchic nature of the system, where there is no overarching world government, forces states to act in their own interest to ensure their survival and national security.

What role does human nature play in the neorealist theory?

Neorealists reject the explanatory power of human nature in understanding state behavior. Unlike classical realists, who argue that human nature drives the struggle for power, neorealists focus on the structure of the international system.

How does neorealism treat states compared to classical realism?

Neorealism treats states as interchangeable actors, focusing on the broader structural elements of global politics, whereas classical realism places more emphasis on understanding the unique historical circumstances of each state.

How does neorealism redefine the concept of power in global politics?

Neorealism argues that the concept of power should not be narrowly defined as military force, but rather include national security, which encompasses state capacity beyond military prowess.

What is the central argument of neorealism in understanding global politics?

The central argument of neorealism is that the international system is anarchic, with no organizing authority above states. As a result, each state must pursue its own national security and operate in its own interest.

What is the significance of the balance of power in neorealist theory?

In neorealism, the balance of power can influence the likelihood of conflict but does not alter the fundamental goal of states, which is to ensure their own survival and national security.

What does neorealism say about trust between states in the international system?

Neorealism asserts that states cannot generally trust one another due to the self-help nature of the international system. As a result, states prioritize their own security and operate based on relative, not absolute, gains.