Understanding Global Politics

1. Understanding Global Politics Lecture 4: Neo-Realism/ Structural Realism

2. Core assumptions • Anarchy as the defining feature of the international political system. • Structure of the system as a major determinant of state behavior (hence structural realism). • States as rational actors. • States as self-interest oriented actors. • National survival as the most critical problem in the anarchic international system.

3. Kenneth WaltzA Theory of International Politics (1979) • Identified problems in classical realism. • Main problem = state-centric. • Theory should tell us about units (states) and system as a whole.

4. International system • state-level explanations are important but the impact of structure should be examined • Structure defined by anarchy and the distribution of capabilities across states. • No differentiation of functions between different states.

5. Distribution of capabilities • Power defined more broadly to go beyond military power and ability to use military power • Power defined as the combined capabilities of states • States are functionally similar but different in terms of their power • Power/capabilities as determinants of state behaviour/foreign policy choice

6. The Balance of Power • The distribution of power at a systemic level. • A mechanism to prevent the dominance of any one state in the international system. • Can be natural or strategy pursued by states. • Does not preserve peace, but preserves security of states.

7. Hegemony • One state is dominant in the international system. • Two periods of hegemony: Pax-Britannica and Pax-Americana. • When conditions of hegemony prevail – much better chance institutions will be created and/or function effectively • Why?

8. Hegemonic Stability Theory (HST) • Developed to explain the collapse of economies and the onset of depression in early 20th Century. • International system always tends towards instability. • But this can be avoided if dominant state assumes leadership (hegemonic) role.

9. Example of HST in action • Bretton Woods system (GATT, World Bank, IMF) • Provided system of economic rules, values and norms based on US domination of world system post 1945.

10. To conclude … • Neo-realists are more concerned than classical realists with the system in which states exist and interact. • It is also more concerned with conditions of international anarchy • Bridges realism with liberalism: introduces idea of co-operation BUT via hegemonic powers.