Neoclassical realism
Encyclopedia
Neoclassical realism is a theory of international relations
. It is a combination of classical realist and neorealist
(particularly defensive realist
) theories.
Neoclassical realism holds that the actions of a state in the international system can be explained by systemic variables (such as the distribution of power capabilities among states) as well as cognitive variables (such as the perception and misperception of systemic pressures, other states' intentions, and/or threats) and domestic variables (such as state institutions, elites, and societal actors within society) affecting the power and freedom of action of the decision-makers in foreign policy. While holding true to the neorealist concept of balance of power
, neoclassical realism further adds that states' mistrust and inability to perceive one another accurately, or state leaders' inability to mobilize state power and public support can result in an underexpansion or underbalancing behaviour leading to imbalances within the international system, the rise and fall of great powers, and war:
International relations
International relations is the study of relationships between countries, including the roles of states, inter-governmental organizations , international nongovernmental organizations , non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations...
. It is a combination of classical realist and neorealist
Neorealism
Neorealism or structural realism is a theory of international relations, outlined by Kenneth Waltz in his 1979 book Theory of International Politics. Waltz argues in favor of a systemic approach: the international structure acts as a constraint on state behavior, so that only states whose outcomes...
(particularly defensive realist
Defensive realism
In international relations, defensive realism is a variant of political realism. Defensive realism looks at states as rational players who are the primary actors in world affairs. Defensive realism predicts that anarchy on the world stage causes states to become obsessed with security...
) theories.
Neoclassical realism holds that the actions of a state in the international system can be explained by systemic variables (such as the distribution of power capabilities among states) as well as cognitive variables (such as the perception and misperception of systemic pressures, other states' intentions, and/or threats) and domestic variables (such as state institutions, elites, and societal actors within society) affecting the power and freedom of action of the decision-makers in foreign policy. While holding true to the neorealist concept of balance of power
Balance of power in international relations
In international relations, a balance of power exists when there is parity or stability between competing forces. The concept describes a state of affairs in the international system and explains the behavior of states in that system...
, neoclassical realism further adds that states' mistrust and inability to perceive one another accurately, or state leaders' inability to mobilize state power and public support can result in an underexpansion or underbalancing behaviour leading to imbalances within the international system, the rise and fall of great powers, and war:
- Appropriate balancing occurs when a state correctly perceives another state's intentions and balances accordingly.
- Inappropriate balancing or overbalancing occurs when a state incorrectly perceives another state as threatening, and uses too many resources than it needs to in order to balance. This causes an imbalance.
- Underbalancing occurs when a state fails to balance, out of either inefficiency or incorrectly perceiving a state as less of threat than it actually is. This causes an imbalance.
- Nonbalancing occurs when a state avoids balancing through buck passingBuck passingBuck passing or passing the buck is the act of attributing another person or group with responsibility for one's own actions. It is also used as a strategy in power politics when the actions of one country/nation are blamed on another, providing an opportunity for war.The latter expression is said...
, bandwagoningBandwagoningIn realist theories of international relations, bandwagoning refers to the act of weaker states joining a stronger power or coalition within balance of power politics. The term is opposed to balancing, and unlike balancing, is a relatively new term...
, or other escapes. A state may choose to do this for a number of reasons, including an inability to balance.
People
Persons mentioned as neoclassical realists, and the year of the release of the work associated with this classification :- William WohlforthWilliam WohlforthWilliam Curti Wohlforth is the Daniel Webster Professor of Government in the Dartmouth College Department of Government, of which he was chair for three academic years...
(1993) - Thomas Christensen (1996)
- Alastair J. H. Murray (1997)
- Randall SchwellerRandall SchwellerRandall L. Schweller is Full Professor of Political Science at The Ohio State University, where he has taught since 1994.He received his PhD from Columbia University in 1993 and served as an Olin Fellow at Harvard University in 1993-94...
(1998) - Fareed ZakariaFareed ZakariaFareed Rafiq Zakaria is an Indian-American journalist and author. From 2000 to 2010, he was a columnist for Newsweek and editor of Newsweek International. In 2010 he became Editor-At-Large of Time magazine...
(1998) - Asle TojeAsle TojeAsle Toje is a Norwegian foreign policy scholar and commentator. He is the functioning Research Director at the Norwegian Nobel Institute. Toje is a regular contributor to the Norwegian foreign policy debate, including as a regular columnist in the Klassekampen and ErlikOslo. Toje has family...
(2010)