neorealists

Neorealists refers to a group of thinkers and policymakers, primarily associated with international relations theory, who advocate for a pragmatic and self-interested approach to foreign policy. Emerging in the mid-20th century, their ideas were heavily influenced by the geopolitical realities of the Cold War. Central to Neorealist thought is the concept of the state as the primary actor in an anarchic international system. This means there is no overarching authority to enforce rules or provide security, forcing states to rely on themselves.

Neorealists believe that states are driven by a fundamental desire for survival and security, and that this pursuit often leads to competition and conflict. They emphasize the importance of power, particularly military power, as the means by which states achieve their objectives and protect their interests. Foreign policy decisions, according to Neorealists, should be based on a careful calculation of national interests and the balance of power in the international arena, rather than on ideology or moral considerations.

Key figures associated with Neorealism include Hans Morgenthau and, more prominently, Kenneth Waltz, who distinguished Neorealism from classical realism. Waltz's structural realism posits that the anarchic structure of the international system, rather than human nature, is the primary driver of state behavior. Neorealists generally view international cooperation as difficult and often temporary, as states remain wary of the intentions of other states and are always looking for ways to enhance their relative power. Their perspective often leads to a preference for policies that strengthen national defense and maintain a stable balance of power among major states.