Neo-Realism or Structural Realism and its Types.

Structural Realism/Neo-Realism

The Structural Realism was coined by the Kenneth Waltz in his 1979 book ‘The Theory of International Politics’. Unlike classical realists who argue that laws of politics have roots in human nature, structural realists put forward their assumptions on the premise that the nature of international system is defined by anarchy and the distribution of capabilities among actors. At domestic level, they believe, states have hierarchy of power. However, international system is anarchic because it has no higher authority or central government to govern state behavior. In this anarchic order, states have to ensure their own survival because there is lack of trust among states and they are never certain of other nation’s future intentions. This security dilemma drives states to maximize their relative power. Furthermore, it stimulates states to develop military build-up and pursue the policies of foreign interventionism and hegemony.

States have common needs but different capabilities, weak states try to align themselves with other states to balance their power against the great power. In this case, new-realists suggest three possible systems: A uni-polar system led by one great power, a bipolar system commanded by two super powers and a multi-polar system controlled by many great powers. However, realist argue that bipolar system is more likely to be stable.

Types of Structural realism

 

Offensive realism

The notion of offensive realism is proposed by the political scientist John Mearsheimer. He argues that anarchic international system forces states to formulate offensive foreign policy. It leads states to act aggressively and grow in power. At this stage, states follow the policies of intrusion and World domination. Offensive realists ignore the balance of power approach and tend to assure their own survival by military power.

 

Defensive Realism

The defensive realism was conjectured by the Kenneth Waltz by putting forward the idea that states can ensure their survival and integrity by balance of power in the international anarchic system. According to this approach, states major concern should be to maintain their security. For defensive realists, conflict is occasionally important when security of the state is jeopardized. 

Naveed Qamar

MSc International Relations.

M.Phil Scholar, Researcher and writer.