CSS International Relation Paper 1 2020 Question No 2

How do the neo-realist and constructivist approaches differ over the study of state behavior in contemporary international politics?

Introduction

Although a fairly new one, International Relations is a proper academic discipline. It builds on theories from philosophy, gender studies, political science, psychology and anthropology. These theories are the foundations on the basis of which IR scholars try to make sense of the states, their behavior with each other and on a macro level in the entire international system. Over the course of years, there have been many opposing ideologies that have thrived in international relations such as realism vs liberalism or positivism vs post-positivism or scientific method vs behaviorism. In different eras of the international system, different theories have been dominant because of their realization in that time by the dynamics of states.

Neo-realism vs constructivism is also one of these debates. Both neo-realism and constructivism are not original concepts but somewhat are extensions of the long held nature vs nurture debate in human psychology. The only difference is that neo-realism and constructivism apply to the states of the world rather than individuals.

Neo-Realist approaches

Neo-realism as the name suggests is an extension of the most dominant theory in International Relations which is realism. Neo-realism basically operates on six major principles which are briefly described below.

Anarchy

When used in the context of neo-realism, anarchy does not mean disorder, it simply means a lack of hierarchy. Neo-realist anarchy suggests that there is no higher power over nation-states. They are completely sovereign in every right and there is no other governmental or institutional structure that can manipulate them according to its will.

In other words, there is no world government and states are completely free as compared to a national or domestic government where there is a proper hierarchy and the subjects of nation-states have to follow some rules and there are enforcing structure to make sure that they do.

Structure

Structure is a concept of neo-realism which is highly linked with anarchy. In the context of neoliberalism, structure just implies that the international system is based on an anarchic structure where different nation-states have sovereignty but there is no absolute power to govern over all of them. This also implies that according to a neorealist structure, all nation-states are self-help unit who are mainly motivated by survival.

Capability

Since all nations are on their own when it comes to survival, the concept of capability is actually a measure of the ability of nation-states to survive. Capability in a neorealist context is simply the political, military and economic tools that a nation-state has which it can use to its advantage whenever it faces a threat. Since nations are on their own, they are insecure about their survival and thus are always on the lookout to increase their 'capability'.

Polarity

As mentioned in the previous section, nations are insecure and are always trying to enhance their capability. In this pursuit some nation- states succeed while leaving others behind. As a result, a sort of distribution of 'capability' takes place where one or more nations have so much 'capability' that they can take on most other nations. This gives rise to polarity in the international system for example in a unipolar international system only one true superpower exists while in a bipolar world there are two superpowers who are always competing for 'capabilities' while all other nations are either on one side or the other.

Distribution of power

Distribution of power is directly related to accumulation of capability. In the context of neo-realism, distribution of power is according to the distribution or more appropriately collection of capability. Nations with more capabilities end up having more power over others since they can provide more services to the rest of the world and thus the rest of the world end up following these nations.

National Interest

National interest is a core element of neo-realism. According to neo- realist theories, nations are only motivated by their national interests and will only go into collaborative partnerships with other nations if it serves their own national interests. The idea that nations are motivated by world peace and harmony is completely rejected by neo-realism since it is based on nation's survival instincts. So, the nations might work for peace but only if it is helpful in furtherance of their national interest.