Neorealism, Neoliberalism and Constructivism

Paper Summary:

This paper explains the field of international relations (IR), and examines three major IR theories, neorealism, neoliberalism and constructivism, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses and how they dominate politics in the international arena today. The author describes neorealism as the pessimistic IR theory, focusing on state security and power above all else, and viewing human beings as fundamentally bad in nature. Neo-liberalism is a derivative of liberalism, which is the idealist IR theory. The author explains that it argues that cooperation exists between states and is prevalent in the world and views human beings as being capable of good. Constructivism was born as a result of the perceived weaknesses of realism and liberalism, and sees states as each having unique political, social, economic and religious characteristics which influence their foreign policy.

Outline:
Introduction
International Relations Theories
Neo-Realism
Neoliberalism
Constructivism
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Neorealism or structural realism is a theory that is a derivative of realism. It is a theory of international relations outlined by Kenneth Waltz in his book, Theory of International Politics in 1979. It believes in the same fundamental principles of individuality, self-help, survival and power that realism does. The only difference being that it views the cause of power struggles and competition between states not due to the nature of states, but as a result of the nature of the international system. States are functioning independently, with no world government looking out for them. It is a system of anarchy and states have to do all they can to gain power and to protect their interests."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adler, Emmanuel 'Seizing the Middle Ground: Constructivism in World Politics', European Journal of International Relations 3(3): 319-63. 1997
• Bush, George W. (2002b), "President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat, Remarks by the President on Iraq", (available at http://www.whitehouse.gov.news/releases/2002/10/20021007-8.html).
• Friedman, Milton: Capitalism And Freedom, Chicago University Press, Chicago, 1962.
• Illuminations (2009). Critical Theory and the Crisis of Social Theory. [online] available from < http://www.uta.edu/huma/illuminations/kell5.htm> [ accessed 18 March, 2009]
• Keohane, Robert. Theory of world politics: Structural realism and beyond. In Robert O. Keohane, editor, Neorealism and its Critics. Columbia University Press, New York, 1986.

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