Comparison of Neorealism and Neoliberalism in International Relations

Introduction

• Presenter: Noah Zerbe
• Focus: Comparing neorealism and neoliberalism in US international relations.
• Recommended to watch previous videos for foundational theories.

Areas of Agreement

• Positivist Theories:
  • Both believe in objective laws governing the international system.
  • Systematic analysis can uncover these laws.
• Game Theory: Utilized to understand state behavior dynamics.
• State-Centric Theories:
  • State is the most important actor.
  • States behave rationally in pursuit of national interest.
• Condition of Anarchy: Accepted by both as shaping state behavior, unlike classical liberals.

Key Differences

National Interest

• Neoliberalism:
  • Focus on absolute gains.
  • Broad conception including economic well-being, military power, and security.
• Neorealism:
  • Focus on relative gains due to security dilemma.
  • Narrow view centered on military power and security.

Nature of Anarchy

• Neorealism:
  • Anarchy is all-encompassing and unchanging.
  • Leads to a self-help environment, making cooperation difficult.
  • International organizations seen as tools for dominant states.
• Neoliberalism:
  • Anarchy can be mitigated by processes and institutions.
  • International organizations play a central role in cooperation.
  • Examples: UN, EU, WTO influencing state behavior.

Focus of Analysis

• Neorealism:
  • Issues like national security, war, arms races, conflict.
• Neoliberalism:
  • Issues like political economy, human rights, international organizations.

Use of Force in Foreign Policy

• Neorealists:
  • Not always supportive of force; dependent on clear national security interest.
  • Example: Opposition to Iraq War (2003) and Vietnam War.
• Neoliberals:
  • May support force for democratization, human rights violations (e.g., Responsibility to Protect).
  • Example: Support for Iraq War (2003) on grounds of terrorism, WMDs, and democratization.

Conclusion

• Summary of neorealism and neoliberalism comparison.
• Encouragement to leave questions for further discussion.
• End of presentation.

Thank you for watching!