Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Neo-realism and Neo-liberalism are two dominant theoretical frameworks that emerged in International Relations, particularly after the Cold War, offering contrasting perspectives on the nature of global politics. Neo-realism, rooted in the realist tradition and notably articulated by Kenneth Waltz, presents a "dark view" of an anarchic international system where states primarily pursue self-interest and security through power politics. Neo-liberalism, a refinement of classical liberalism, emerged as a response, seeking to "lighten" this pessimistic outlook by emphasizing the potential for cooperation and order in the international system, primarily through the role of international institutions.
Neo-realism's Dark View
Neo-realism, also known as structural realism, posits that the international system is anarchic, meaning there is no overarching authority above sovereign states. This anarchy compels states to prioritize their survival and security, leading to a self-help system where states are constantly wary of each other's intentions and capabilities. Key tenets include:
- Anarchy as a defining feature: The absence of a world government necessitates states to rely on themselves for security.
- Security Dilemma: Actions taken by one state to increase its security often decrease the security of others, leading to a spiral of arms races and mistrust.
- Relative Gains: States are primarily concerned with how much more power and influence they gain compared to other states, rather than absolute gains, making cooperation difficult to sustain.
- Focus on military power: Military capabilities are seen as the ultimate guarantor of state survival.
How Neo-liberalism Lightened the View
Neo-liberalism (or liberal institutionalism) shares neo-realism's assumption of an anarchic international system and the rational, self-interested nature of states. However, it diverges significantly by arguing that cooperation is not only possible but also sustainable, primarily facilitated by international institutions and interdependence. Neo-liberalism "lightened" neo-realism's dark view by:
- Emphasizing International Institutions: Institutions (like the UN, WTO) mitigate the effects of anarchy by providing frameworks for communication, reducing uncertainty, establishing norms, and monitoring compliance, thereby fostering trust and reciprocity among states.
- Focus on Absolute Gains: While acknowledging concerns about relative gains, neo-liberals argue that states often seek absolute gains, where all parties benefit from cooperation, even if the gains are not perfectly equal. This creates incentives for collaboration.
- Interdependence: Growing economic interdependence and globalization increase the costs of conflict and the benefits of cooperation. States have shared interests in areas like trade, finance, and environmental protection, which encourage collaborative behavior.
- Broader Conception of National Interest: Neo-liberals have a broader view of national interest, including economic well-being, human rights, and environmental protection, beyond just military security.
The "neo-neo debate" highlights that while both theories are state-centric and positivist, Neo-liberalism offers a more optimistic outlook, demonstrating that despite systemic anarchy, cooperation can emerge and persist through institutional mechanisms and shared interests, thus providing a less grim perspective on international politics.
Conclusion
In essence, while neo-realism paints a rather bleak picture of international politics driven by an inescapable security dilemma and competitive relative gains, neo-liberalism offers a beacon of hope. By highlighting the crucial role of international institutions, the pursuit of absolute gains, and the increasing web of interdependence, neo-liberalism demonstrates that cooperation is not merely a fleeting exception but a feasible and often rational strategy for states. It thus provides a more nuanced and constructive understanding of how order and progress can be achieved even in an anarchic world.
Answer Length
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