Neoclassical Realist Theory of International Politics

Running head: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
International Relations
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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The purpose of the following paper is to discuss on the concept of state and compare the
viewpoints of different authors and the different interpretations of the concept at different times.
This issue regarding the concept of the state is regarded as a very crucial point in terms of the
international relations. The relationships between the states have been taken as a serious issue
because this has been communicated by various authors in different ways at different point of
times. The nation-states form the principal section of the society. Both the entities of state and
non-state are relevant for the study of the states indeed. The state is an inseparable part of the
international relations (Cox, 1981). All the international organizations operate on the basis of
their connection with different states. The sovereignty of the states is a definite factor for the
success of the power dynamics within the constraints of the society.
The concept of neoliberal approach is well developed and it’s primarily connected with
the states as well. Many authors have provided their own viewpoints regarding this issue. The
sovereign state and democratic ideas are the parts of the societal independence by all the ways.
Some authors have criticized the viewpoints of others that the concepts of the nation states are
not properly theorized. So, readers face many problems regarding the interpretation of this issue.
Therefore, it is very much effective to note that the use of states in the international theory have
been essential and common by all the terms. The concept of state has been influenced largely by
the concepts of philosophy and sociology as well. The viewpoints of both the Marxists and non-
Marxists must be described in this scenario to note that their interpretations have given a new
horizon in the studies of the international relations. These interpretations are presented as the
challenges for the conventional theories of international relations by most parts.
On the other hand, it must be explored from the writings of Robert W. Cox named Social
Forces, States and Orders: Beyond International Relations Theory that international

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organizations must keep in their minds about the radical changes in the society come from
various social changes and cultures (Cox, 1981). As per the Marxist notions, the states have been
formed due to the conflicts among the classes. These class conflicts have changed the face of the
society and attentions have been shifted in this regard as well. Some authors say that state is a
geographic region but Marxists have countered it by saying that state is the capitalist vehicle for
weapon. The cultures and ideologies of the society will suffer a deep hammer blow to serve the
capitalist societies by all the means. The differences in the various international behaviors must
be taken in consideration before the nature of the states is conceived. According to some critics,
states are recognized as the means for the competition among various entities of bureaucracy.
Therefore, the complexity in the ideas is truly important by all the means (Cox, 1981). The
configurations of the state could be altered by the different types of conflicting ideologies.
The structural powers of the state are crucial to be discussed in this paper. The national
power will depend upon the states and their ability to cope up with the internal conflicts.
According to the critics, it has always been said that the nations will look to implement all its
national policies through the organ named state (Keohane & Nye, 1977). The state is responsible
to maintain all the legal policies of the nation and ensure everything is on the right track. The
state is entitled with the supreme powers to operate for the development of the nation. The states
are also liable for negotiating the treaties that will cater to the well being of the people inhabiting
within its jurisdictions. The analysis of the coherent power can be traced from the powers of the
state.
The neo-realism of the state’s ideologies is essential to be found out in the relations
between the state and its people. This is quite evident from the fact that most people are hungry
for state power and their desires are never met once they occupy the power. This driving power

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of the nation is probably the only thing that will satisfy people (Nye, 1988). The authors of the
book chapter National Power believe that the nations will apply their foreign policies only when
they are well aware of the limitations of the state power and assuring the well being of all the
people in the country (Ripsman, Taliaferro & Lobell, 2016). The states represent all the social
groups and reflect their desires through the implementation of foreign policies.
Some historians like E.H. Carr and Eric Hobsbawm have pointed it out that the changing
nature of the social forces has helped in the interpretation of different types of states (Cox, 1981).
The nature of the states generally define the global relationships and it has been said that the
nature of global relationships have completely changed from that of the 16th and 17th century to
the morn times. Therefore, this should be international state affairs must be related to the
different types of responsibilities that the states attain (Cox, 1981). Ancient philosophers like
Plato and Aristotle have given their own interpretations of the state as well as they have
witnessed the form of the states in different ways than the current times. The concept of the
states like ancient Rome and Greece are completely different from that of USA, Russia, China,
UK and other powerful countries. In the current times, it has been argued several times that the
states have to perform several rights like the citizenship rights of the people, establishing the rule
of law, performing all its social and economic responsibilities at the same time for the betterment
of the state and developing its infrastructure. At the end it will only do good to the well being of
the common people.
In the words of the critics, a state is definitely more than a government and it has several
tasks to perform for the development of the people who are parts of this system. The concept of
the sovereign state is definitely the most critical and complicated part in this scenario (Cox,
1981). The connection between the state and government is very critical to analyze since the

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governments might change from time to time but the states will remain unchanged for a long
period of time. An expert of political science named Fernand Braudel had depicted the
interrelationships of the states in a completely new manner. This is how the group led by an
expert in international relations Immanuel Wallerstein had discovered some theoretical
descriptions of the social systems that would also be very much helpful for the proper description
of these systems (Cox, 1981). This theoretical view has provided the proper alternative to the
traditional theory of international relations.
The concept of the structural-functional sociology has been very crucial in this condition
as well. Here the author of the article has depicted how the concepts of the international relations
can be a monumental figure for establishing the social balance. Here the author has also said that
this theory derived by the critics can be problematic to certain extents. However, these
theoretical biases would be liable to serve two different purposes (Cox, 1981). One is the simple
response to the problems in the international relations and the second one is kind of reflective in
its nature. Therefore, it must be kept in the mind that the concept of state can be understood
through the implementation of the problem-solving theory. Various problems should be
understood that are relevant in the identification and completion of the responsibilities of the
state.
The shape and volume of the state matters sometimes because it is very difficult to
control such an enormous nation like China. The military functions of the states will also
determine the nature of the states in different ways as well. According to few critics, it has been
said that the state is the most powerful and dominant factor in the domestic politics (Daddow,
2017). Apart from that, it is very crucial factor in the scenario of the international relations as

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well. The regional integration of the state is necessary and globalization has provided a different
kind of definition for the nation-states all over.
Other books like A Realist Theory of International Politics can also be drawn into the
context since it has a very close connection with that of states (Morgenthau, 1977). State and
politics are two very crucial factors in determining the well being of the common people of the
society. The theory related to the international politics is definitely a very essential one. In this
book, the nature of all types of politics has been discussed. According to the author, the main
issue raised in this book is regarding the theoretical differences between two kinds of political
thoughts and beliefs that are completely contrary on the nature of the human beings. The first
political belief can be found from the rational political order and universal principles must be
followed within function (Morgenthau, 1977). On the other hand, the nature of the human beings
can have lots of imperfections because it is there only in their inherent nature.
The concept of the political realism has been very crucial in this scenario. Various factors
are relevant and important for the construction of the states. According to the theories of the
international relations, politics is a system i.e. governed by the laws in its objective sense. The
society is also run in that method only. It cannot be denied that the politics in the society has to
occupy a large part indeed. The laws are designed only according to the nature of the entire
society (Morgenthau, 1977). Then only all laws could be understood properly. The society and
state have been complementary to each other. It should be taken into the proper consideration
that the implementation of these laws might not be according to the preferences of the common
people. Here both the texts discussed earlier have differed regarding the meaning of the state.
Political agendas are just the parts of the society but they should not come in the way of the
states in terms of their actions and responsibilities by any means. The human nature is also one

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crucial factor in depicting the nature of the states (Morgenthau, 1977). As the human beings live
in these states, the laws should depend on their nature. Otherwise, the actions of the human
beings cannot be judged at all. Therefore, the author defends both the concept of novelty and age
in the depiction of the states in the political theories.
The next piece of text that will be compared here is named Neoclassical Realist Theory
of International Politics (Ripsman, Taliaferro & Lobell, 2016). In this book, the overall
importance of the foreign policies has been discussed in this paper. The implementation of the
foreign policies has been very interesting in terms of the various states and their
interrelationships. In this book various issues have been discussed like the behavior of the states,
their responsibilities towards the common people and decision making within the short term
crisis. Through this book, the author has also discussed on the adjustment of various strategies
through which individual states could chalk out their proper strategies (Ripsman, Taliaferro &
Lobell, 2016). These strategies will also result in the various systematic outcomes at all levels.
These patters will help to regulate the international systems by all contexts. Thus this has become
one of the most crucial factors for fixing the international relations properly. Thus, it is apparent
that this structural realism and liberalism within the states will help the well being of its members
from both the economic and social perspectives (Bjola & Kornprobst, 2018).
The book also provides the chance to think of the different opportunities and threats that
are always important in case of implementing several foreign policies. In comparison with the
article of Robert W. Cox, this book is more concerned about the current perspectives in the
responsibilities of the states in the globalization (Bjola & Kornprobst, 2018). So, the foreign
policies of the states should be implemented based on the nature of the human beings in the
states and its economic growth (Ripsman, Taliaferro & Lobell, 2016). The concept of

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nationalism is very essential because states must fix their national strategies in terms of their
nationalist ideologies by all manners. It has also been said in this book that international politics
is somewhat counterproductive. Therefore, the difference lies in the fact with the article of
Robert W. Cox that the Marxist and non-Marxist ideologies in the international relations has not
been recognized as a crucial thing in this book. If the state is looked upon as the means of
production for the economic well being of the people, it should not indulge in the wars (Nye,
1988). On the contrary, many powerful countries are seen to indulge in the wars that might be
only to capture more power.
The states have established their infinite powers and helped to design a proper system so
they will be able to create an influence on the smaller powers. The actions of the powerful states
always have been able to have the last say in the outcomes of international conflicts. They have
also been helpful largely to design the entire international system. In the current times, there are
several countries in the world that have come up as expansionist states (Nye, 1988). If they are
successful in their purpose without the interference of the bigger powers, it might cause huge
issues in the future as well (Wendt, 1992; 398). Rather, it could also cause the violent wars as
well. The influence of the powerful states is indeed immense in case of power dynamics in the
world. So, this book has been very helpful to relate with the things that have already been
discussed by Robert W. Cox in his article. Another piece of text that will be discussed in this
section of the comparison is that of Political Structures. The overall political structures of the
states have been deemed as most effective for their success. The international political systems
are completely dependent on the social, economic an international perspectives of the states
(Nye, 1988).

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The article named Power and Independence by Robert O. Keohane and Joseph S. Nye is
important in this context (Keohane & Nye, 1977). The concept of state and its hunger for power
in the international sphere have been the main reasons for its aggression at different levels. The
concept of independence is definitely very common in the recent times. The contents of this
article are of very high quality and it has discussed about the state powers from different
perspectives as well (Wendt, 1992; 402). Though the main purpose of the states is to look after
the well being of their citizens from all the aspects, it is almost unthinkable to ignore the state
powers and their measures to attain an important place in the international politics (Guzzini,
1993). The authors of this article have proven to be very effective and efficient in providing the
best solutions for the power politics among the states. According to the authors, the world has
become a global village now and it has only become possible because of the interchanges
between the social and economic beliefs and ideologies between the nation states.
On the other hand, the economists have also said that the state is an object or idea that
helps to look at the world as an economic unit altogether. The followers of the traditional
believers have called this thing as the ‘globaloney’ (Keohane & Nye, 1977). So, there are some
major differences in the opinions of the critics in this regard. However, it cannot be denied at all
that the concept of state has gone global and it cannot survive by being completely self-
concerned and ignoring the global perspectives. The economic perspectives play a vital role in
the shaping of the modern states in the world. The concept of the military prowess has been an
inseparable part in the international relations (Nye, 1988). The states desire to acquire the global
power by fighting over a piece of land or creating fear among their neighbors. There are
numerous instances of this kind of activities. This has become a very crucial think in the global

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politics and nuclear deterrence has been considered as the main source for showing the power of
the states (Guzzini, 1993).
The conflicts among the states are important things to note the power dynamics.
Apparently, this article is one of the best written and researched elements through which the
globalization of states has been shown. This globalization has definitely been the pioneer for the
changing definition of the states (Berenskötter, 2017). Now, the state is all about acquiring the
ultimate power and establishing their command over the other countries. The state is also the
mode through which capitalists will increase their profits. The capitalists will use their workers
for the means o higher production levels (Aradau & Huysmans, 2014). Still, the interdependence
between different countries will lead the way for the formation of nation states in the world with
a modernist approach.
In the concluding section, it can be said that the article named Social Forces, States and
Orders: Beyond International Relations Theory by Robert W. Cox has been a very intriguing
and effective document for making the readers understand the development of the concept of the
state in the recent times. The meaning of the state has grown from what it was at the ancient
times and what it is now. This concept has completely evolved in cohesion with the dynamics of
power. The desire to be the global superpower has changed the concept of the state completely as
well as adding numerous additional responsibilities on the shoulders of the nation states. Some
other books and articles have been compared with the above mentioned article so the readers can
understand the evolution of the concept of state in a better way.

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References and Bibliography
Aradau, C., & Huysmans, J. (2014). Critical methods in International Relations: The politics of
techniques, devices and acts. European Journal of International Relations, 20(3), 596-
619.
Berenskötter, F. (2017). Deep Theorizing in International Relations. European Journal of
International Relations, 24(4), 814-840.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1354066117739096
Bjola, C., & Kornprobst, M. (2018). Understanding international diplomacy: theory, practice
and ethics. Routledge.
Cox, R. W. (1981). Social forces, states and world orders: beyond international relations
theory. Millennium, 10(2), 126-155.
Daddow, O. (2017). International relations theory. Sage.
Guzzini, S. (1993). Structural power: the limits of neorealist power analysis. International
Organization, 47(3), 443-478.
Kelley, J. G., & Simmons, B. A. (2015). Politics by number: Indicators as social pressure in
international relations. American journal of political science, 59(1), 55-70.
Keohane, R. O., & Nye, J. S. (1977). Power and interdependence (pp. 8-9).
Mearsheimer, J. J. (2001). The tragedy of great power politics. WW Norton & Company.
Morgenthau, H. J. (1977). A realist theory of international politics. Realism reader, 53.
Nye, J. S. (1988). Neorealism and neoliberalism. World Politics, 40(2), 235-251.

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Ripsman, N. M., Taliaferro, J. W., & Lobell, S. E. (2016). Neoclassical realist theory of
international politics. Oxford University Press.