International relationsLesson 2 of 2 in the course Realism and liberalism

Neorealism: Structure, Security, and Theoretical Debates

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Neorealism, also called structural realism, explains international politics by focusing on the structure of the international system rather than the personalities or motives of individual leaders. This lesson introduces the theory’s origins and its central assumptions.

Classical realists such as E. H. Carr, Hans Morgenthau, George Kennan, and Reinhold Niebuhr explained international politics partly through human nature, including leaders’ ambitions, ego, and emotions. Neorealism reformulated this tradition by shifting the main explanation from individuals to the structure of the international system.

All flashcards

Anarchy
The absence of a formal central authority above sovereign states in the international system.
Self-help
The need for states to provide for their own security because no higher authority reliably protects them.
Security dilemma
A situation in which one state's security measures make other states feel less secure.
Internal balancing
Building a state's own capabilities to strengthen its position or security.
External balancing
Forming or joining alliances to counter a stronger state or alliance.

Quiz questions

  1. Which three elements define international structure in neorealism?Answer: Anarchy, sovereign states, and the distribution of capabilities
  2. What is the security dilemma?Answer: One state's security measures can make other states feel less secure.
  3. How can concern about relative gains limit cooperation between states?Answer: A state may worry that a partner will gain more power from cooperation.
  4. What defines a bipolar international system?Answer: It has two great powers.
  5. Which position is associated with defensive realism?Answer: States generally seek enough power to maintain their security.

Based on the Wikipedia article Neorealism (international relations), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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