Neorealism

Question 1

What are the three core assumptions of Neorealist theory?

Answer 1

1. The international system consists of states whose primary aim is survival
2. States live in international anarchy defined as the absence of overarching coercive authority.
3. State survival is thus a matter of self help.

Question 2

What is Neorealism trying to explain?

Answer 2

It tries to systemically explain units (states) within the construct that they’re in.

1. Why the international system has remained the same for so long (eg, why do wars keep occurring?)
2. Why do states look so much alike in certain respects (why do almost all states have a military?)
3. Why don’t states cooperate more?
4. Why does the foreign policy of many states change so little over time?

Question 3

Why, according to neorealists, does international anarchy inhibit cooperation between states?

Answer 3

• Because states cannot be sure that other states won’t cheat - no overarching authority to hold those who cheat accountable
• Because dependence on other states makes states vulnerable
• Because states fear losing out relative to other states.

Question 4

Give examples of how dependence on other states make states more vulnerable

Answer 4

This is especially the case in the arms and military sector. Because the more cooperate, the more dependent you become with your counterparts ~ antithesis of self help assumption. Cheating can be fatal. The incentive to cooperate in international anarchy is low because the risk is high and there is no coercive authority.

OPEC oil crisis 1973

Question 5

How does international anarchy creates security dilemmas?

Answer 5

Anarchy leads to insecurity because, without a higher authority, states act rationally in their own interests by increasing defense, which can make others feel threatened and lead to a cycle of escalating tensions and arms buildups.

Question 6

Why can’t states just collectively disarm?

Answer 6

Because there is no central enforcement agency and they fear cheating.

Question 7

What is the “Collective Action Dilemma/Trap” in the security dilemma

Answer 7

Cooperation is in everyone’s best interest (as it would reduce the chances of conflict and increase overall security).
However, states hesitate to cooperate because they fear that others may not keep their promises or might use the cooperation for their own advantage, weakening the overall security of the group.

It’s the idea that even unlikely conflicts can occur over time because states cannot trust each other under anarchy. Friendly states can become enemies, and insecurity persists until a powerful authority enforces peace (a Hobbesian contract).

Question 8

In a neorealist framework, to maximise their survival prospects states must

Answer 8

KNOW RELATIVE POSITION: Understand their relative position in the international system and shifting balances of power

OBJECTIVES < CAPABILITIES: Ensure that their objectives do not exceed their capabilitiies. Never ever do something you cannot sustain

COUNTERBALANCE: If possible, counterbalance other states and fill power vacuums to protect their relative position

LYING LOW/ALLIANCES: If that’s not possible they must use other strategies such as ‘lying low’ or joining protective alliances

NON-THREATENING: Not appearing overly threatening to not provoke counterbalancing

ADAPTATION: The key to survival isn’t strength at all, is it adaptation

Question 9

What regularities does international politics display?

Answer 9

1. Power vacuums tend to get filled
2. Power tends to get counterbalanced (Either by states individually or by alliances of states)
3. Balance configurations oscillate between bipolar and multipolar

Question 10

Why is bipolarity generally more stable than multipolarity?

Answer 10

If both states understand that unipolarity is impossible and bipolarity is as good as it gets, they will cooperate to maintain it.

Bipolarity is clear and you know who your friends are and who your enemies are.

In a bipolar system, if one unit shifts sides, then it is less likely to upset the delicate balance, where as in a multipolar system it is very fragile.

It often comes in cycles where multipolarity often merges and become bipolarity and then bipolarity splits and becomes multipolarity

Question 11

Why does the international system keep reproducing itself, according to neorealism?

Answer 11

States that adapt to the system survive, while failed states lose power or disappear. This process is like Darwinian selection, where adaptability is key, even for small states like Liechtenstein or Monaco.

Question 12

According to Jackson and Sorenson, what are the core assumptions of Realism?

Answer 12

Realism assumes that** human nature is self-interested and power-seeking, the international system is anarchic, and states prioritize survival and national security**. Realists emphasize conflict and power struggles, being skeptical about the possibility of progress in international relations.

Question 13

According to Jackson and Sorenson, how does neorealism differ from classical realism?

Answer 13

Neorealism, proposed by Kenneth Waltz, focuses on the anarchic structure of the international system and argues that states act based on the need for security, rather than ethical considerations. It emphasizes power distribution, particularly in bipolar systems, whereas classical realism emphasizes human nature and moral considerations in state behavior.

Question 14

According to Jackson and Sorenson, what are the main critiques of realism?

Answer 14

The main critiques of realism are the

1. International Society critique, which argues realism overlooks cooperation, international law, and non-state actors
2. Emancipatory critique, which calls realism outdated for focusing too much on state power and neglecting human security and global well-being.

Question 15

In Waltz’s article, ‘The Origins of war in Neorealist Theory’, what is the main argument?

Answer 15

Waltz argues that the recurrence of war isn’t primarily caused by the inherent aggression of states (unit-level factors), but rather by the anarchic structure of the international system (systemic-level factors).

Anarchy and the distribution of power among states—as the key determinant of international outcomes.

Question 16

According to Waltz, how does bipolarity and multipolarity affect the likelihood of war?

Answer 16

Bipolarity increases the risk of overreaction, multipolarity increases the risk of miscalculation

Question 17

According to Waltz, what is the main factor in shaping state behaviour and international outcomes?

Answer 17

Anarchical system is the primary factor shaping state behavior and international outcomes.

Question 18

Waltz states that the international system is fundamentally anarchic, what might this force states to do according to him?

Answer 18

This anarchy forces states to prioritize their own security, leading to competition and conflict.

Question 19

What does Waltz state is the ultimate concern for states?

Answer 19

Security, not power. This is the key difference between neorealism and classical realism.

Question 20

What does Waltz argue about nuclear proliferation?

Answer 20

Waltz argues that nuclear weapons have significantly decreased the likelihood of war among great powers. Nuclear weapons make the implications of victory too devastating and make deterrence easier to achieve. The focus shifts to avoiding risks rather than taking them.

Question 21

What is the main argument of Mearsheimer’s article, “Back to the Future”?

Answer 21

Mearsheimer argues that the postwar peace was primarily due to three factors:
1. Bipolarity
2. Military equilibrium between the superpowers
3. Nuclear deterrence

Question 22

What did Mearsheimer predict would happen at the end of the Cold War? What does he advocate for?

Answer 22

He predicts that the end of the Cold War, leading to a multipolar Europe, would increase the risk of war due to the return of power imbalances, the loss of nuclear deterrence’s stabilizing effect, and the potential resurgence ofhyper-nationalism.

Mearsheimer advocates for a policy of limited nuclear proliferationin Europe, continued US involvement in European security, and measures to prevent hyper-nationalism, in order to mitigate the anticipated instability.

Question 23

According to Mearsheimer, why is a shift towards multipolarity a cause for concern?

Answer 23

Multipolar systems are inherently more prone to instability and conflict than bipolar systems, because bipolarity reduces the number of conflict dyads, makes deterrence easier, and minimizes miscalculations of power and resolve.

Dangers of multipolarity include power imbalances, ganging up, buck passing, miscalculation

Question 24

What was Mearsheimers argument about nuclear weapons?

Answer 24

Mearsheimer argues that nuclear weapons helped maintain peace during the Cold War by deterring conflict and making war costlier and harder.

A nuclear-free Europe would be more dangerous, lacking the stabilizing effect of nuclear deterrence and facing potential power imbalances in a multipolar world.

Mearsheimer suggests that limited nuclear proliferation, including Germany acquiring nuclear weapons, would stabilize post-Cold War Europe, as denuclearization is unlikely.

Question 25

How does Mearsheimer critique theories of economic liberalism and peace loving democracies?

Answer 25

He argues that these theories ignore the importance of security concerns and the anarchic nature of the international system.

Economic liberalism is flawed because states are primarily motivated by security, not prosperity. Also, economic interdependence can lead to conflict rather than cooperation.

Peace-loving democracies is flawed because democracies are not necessarily more peaceful, and the historical record does not support the claim that democracies do not fight each other

Question 26

What does Mearsheimer argue about hyper nationalism?

Answer 26

Mearsheimer argues that hyper-nationalism is a significant domestic cause of war, often fueled by security competition and the need for mass armies. He argues that the reemergence of hyper-nationalism in Europe is likely as the Cold War order dissolves.