What comes to your mind upon the mention of the terms realism and neorealism? What is the connection between realism and neorealism to international relations? Let’s dig in and find out more about the topic.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this topic, you are expected to;
In international relations (IR), realism refers to a school of thought that puts emphasis on the conflictual and competitive side of international relations. The roots of realism are argued to be found in some of the earliest historical writings of humankind, particularly Thucydides’ history of the Peloponnesian War that took place between 431 and 404 BCE.
BASICS OF REALISM
Realism’s first assumption is that the nation-state (which is normally abbreviated to state) is the main actor in international relations. Other bodies like organizations and individuals exist but they have limited power.
The second assumption is that the state is a unitary actor. The interests of the nation, especially during war, lead to the state speaking and acting with one voice.
The third assumption is that decision makers are rational actors. This is in the sense that rational decision making results to the pursuit of national interests. In this case, taking actions that would make your state vulnerable would not be rational.
The final assumption is that states live in a context of anarchy. This means in the absence of anyone being in charge internationally. There is no clear expectation of anything or anyone internationally. Therefore, states can only rely on themselves.
In international relations (IR), structural realism or neo realism refers to a theory that states that power is the most important factor in international relations. Together with neoliberalism, neorealism is one of the two most influential contemporary approaches to international relations. Neorealism is divided into offensive and defensive neorealism.
Neorealists argue that there are 3 possible systems based on changes in the distribution of capabilities, defined by the number of great powers in the international system. A unipolar system is made up of only one great power, a bipolar system is made up of two great powers and a multipolar system has more than two great powers. Neorealists make the conclusion that a bipolar system is more stable (less prone to systemic change and to great power war) than a multipolar system.
Structural realism is also divided into offensive and defensive realism. Both branches agree on the fact that the structure of the system is responsible for causing competition between states. However, defensive realism argues that most states concentrate on maintaining their security, in other words, states are security maximizers. Offensive realism claims that all states seek to gain as much power as possible, in other words, states are power maximizers.
Offensive realism which was developed by Mearsheimer differs in the amount of power that a state desires. He proposed that states maximize relative power ultimately aiming for regional hegemony.
