Question

What are the basic concepts and propositions of neo-realist theory, and how do neo-realists understand US global power and grand strategy today?

Answer 1

The basic concepts and propositions on neo realist theory are-

a)anarchy

b)structure

c)capability

d)polarity

e)national interest

a)anarchy - The anarchy concept has 2 main implications . Firstly , every acting party in the international system has to look after itself , rendering it as a 'self help system' .This system is composed of self - centered units , who basically and primarily seek to survive . In the international relations the national stakes are the only entities that have the central legitimate authority to use force to look after themselves . Constitutive units are the sovereign states who are the primary actors in world politics . And secondly , the state constantly feels threatened by a potential attack from others.

b)structure - the structure of the international system is said to be anarchic . Anarchy does not imply the presence or disorder and chaos. the international politics is structured by anarchy , that is structured by hierarchy in contrast to domestic politics.

c)capability - this concept is instrumental for states to ensure their survival . This encourages relative gains. the capabilities of states is determined by its demographic,military.economic and technological capacity.As there are different level of capabilities so the states can be differentiated by their level of capability.

d)polarity - in the examination of distribution of capabilities across units , at any given time. This concept of neo realism helps in achieve the distinct typification of the nature of the international system. Polarity are of three types which are unipolarity , bipolarity , multipolarity . So if a single state is mark as superior state than others in their capabilities , the current state of the international system can be termed or described as unipolar. Bipolarity occurs when both the 2 states have similar capabilities in the international system . and when its more than 2 states then its termed as multi polarity.

e)national interest - the national interest concept according to the neo realists the international system is shaping national interests and states international behavior and will imitate each other and become socialized to their system.

The ways neo realist understand U S global power and grand strategy today are as follows ; -

In this era the neo realist thinks that the new global power can soon be China as they are progressing very rapidly and faster than the level United States. A future china may overtake U.S. in economic power and will be able to spend more on defence than the U.S. and potentially create a larger defence force bigger than that of the U.S. in numbers , China might win a balancing relative power game. Russia is easier to be overthrown by china because of their declining economic and demographic but has considerable nuclear forces which makes was as means of statecraft unappealing. A nuclear victory might be won at too great a cost to have been worthwhile for the victor.

In the Cold War geographic distance allowed the United States to shift the responsibility for something to someone else, before the two world wars and spared it the enormous damage the other great powers suffered. During the Cold War, the combination of geographic distance and power made the U.S. the ideal partner for Eurasian states on the outer limits of the Soviet Union and China. America’s power ensured that its voice would be heard and its actions would be felt, but it did not pose a significant threat to invade or conquer its allies in Europe or Asia. America’s favorable geographic location made it easier to create and lead the vast coalition that contained the USSR (Soviet Union ) during the Cold War and forced them out .

When the USSR (soviet union) collapsed in 26 December 1991 by that unipolar moment began for the United States which made them stand alone at the pinnacle of power.

One could argue, for example , That Us leaders were trying to improve their power position or at least prevent others (states) from improving theirs , and simply miscalculated the likely outcomes of their efforts . Every president of the United States has sought to maintain America’s position of being pre-eminent or most important, and even an ill fated invasion of Iraq could be seen as an attempt to prevent a rogue state from acquiring nuclear weapons . Its all done by the United States to widen the America’s overall strategic positions.

The United States seeks to prevent any single power from dominating the oil-rich Gulf areas because such a state might be able to block the flow of gas and oil to the international markets . Such a step could have a disastrous impact on the world economy and threaten United States prosperity. For this reason, US leaders have seek to preserve a balance of power in the Middle East and make sure that neither a local state nor an outside power is able to control the energy resources of the region.