Neo-Realism and Neo-Liberalism on International Relations

Running head: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
NEO-REALISM AND NEO-LIBERALISM ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
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1INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Introduction
The international relation between different countries focuses on the overall relationship
and the power dynamics between two countries. Hence, economic and the military strength of a
country are correlative to each other. The relation between the two countries is influenced by a
number of factors including the collaboration of their power. It has been pointed out that power
domination is one of the principles of power dominance which has been much demanded by a
number of political leaders in order to establish their supremacy on their compatriots. It has been
shown that the structure of international systems is more impactful than individuals perusing
power which forces states to focus on establishing power (Uglea, 2015). Structural Realism or
Neo-Realism is the theory that focuses on establishing power as one of the most important
aspects of the state while establishing its presence in society. Neo-Liberalism is the modern
form of liberalism focusing on the development of an open market globally at the same time
creating a set of interdependent societies. International cooperation is the relation between the
different countries where they help each other while improving their relations by trade and
sharing of culture. In a modern society which has been globalized, it is extremely important to
assure international cooperation to allow people to move and trade easily across the international
markets.
Structural Realists or the neo-realists point out that states have to be strong enough to
protect them to establish their supremacy. Defensive realist, on the other hand, focuses on getting
power as it is important in order to establish their dominance. The role of political situation and
international relations has a major part to play in the establishment of power in the society.
Offensive realists, however, hold a view that states in the modern political scenario are greedy

2INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
for power and pursuing hegemony is logical in that case (Burchill, 2009). Neo-liberals and
neorealist agree on the fact that society is anarchic but provide two different views of mitigating
it. While neo-realist focuses on the distribution of power in society, neo-liberalism focuses on
sharing of culture, laws and economy in the society to ascertain balance.
Discussion
Power in the hand of the state depends on assets possession and military power of the
state. Thus, the military power needs to develop a number of socio-economic factors. Survival is
one of the primal needs of sustenance, and that can be achieved by power (Mearsheimer, 2001).
The distribution of wealth in society according to the population is an important factor in
considering the power of the state. The neo-realist and neo-liberal theorists have a varied
approach to the dynamics of power distribution and acquisition.
Neo-Realism
Neo-realist theory of political power in the state focuses on the distribution of power
among the states. Power, though similar functionally, they vary from one state to another state.
The magnitude of the difference in power is the result of structural differences between the
states. The constraints between different states, due to balance and shift in terms of power are the
causes of the differential power among states. Neo-realism suggests that achieving security in
modern world states have to overcome their structural constraints (Waltz, 1959). Neo-realists
assume that all states have some military capabilities and cooperative approach in that respect
among them to some extent. For survival in such a social environment, every country should be
self-sufficient in defending themselves. The existence and the creation of a balancing state are
necessary for the society to function. It is always possible because of the military ability of a