Topics Today: Neorealism and Other Contemporary Realism 1.Completing introduction to neorealist principles. 2.Introduction to another version of contemporary realism (Gilpin). 3.Drawing comparisons between classical and neorealism.

Neorealism – Waltz, Theory of International Politics (1979) Principles of neorealism: 3.Search for power has limits – states really seek security. 1.Excessive power grab can prompt security dilemma.

Neorealism – Waltz, Theory of International Politics (1979) Principles of neorealism: 4.Alliance behaviour: 1.States will always balance rather than bandwagon in alliances. 2.Bipolar systems more stable than multipolar systems.

Neorealism – Waltz, Theory of International Politics (1979) Distinctive traits of Waltz’s methods: 1.Deductive. 1.Particular observations cannot ever lead to whole theories. 2.Level of analysis: 1.System-level only. 2.Only need to know power capabilities of states.

Other Contemporary Realism -- Robert Gilpin – War and Change in World Politics (1981)  Theory of cycle of hegemonic power.  Hegemon: single, powerful state that controls or dominates lesser states.  E.g. Roman Empire, British Empire, American hegemony (empire?).

Gilpin’s Hegemonic Cycle Hegemon provides collective goods for system Rivals gain power rapidly Disequilibrium – Hegemon over-committed and weakens Hegemonic war Hegemon – Equilibrium

Other Contemporary Realism Robert Gilpin – War and Change in World Politics (1981)  More analysis of domestic processes of growth and decline than Waltz, in order to explain change.  This provides theory with greater scope and detail, but less definite predictions than Waltz’s strict neorealism.

Comparing Classical Realism and Neorealism: Similarities 1.Explain world as it is, not as it should be. 2.Domestic politics separate from foreign policy. 3.States rational actors, not moral agents. 4.Power and/or security define states’ interests. 5.Pervasiveness of conflict. 6.Morality a tool of powerful, not true motivation. 7.International system stays basically the same.

Comparing Classical Realism and Neorealism: Differences 1.Actors 1.Neorealists: sovereign states are only important actors. 2.Classical realists: some role for leaders’ characters; actors in system may change.

Comparing Classical Realism and Neorealism: Differences 2.Interests 1.Neorealists: security. 2.Classical realists: power.

Comparing Classical Realism and Neorealism: Differences 3.Sources of interests 1.Neorealists: structure of system. 2.Classical realists: human nature.

Comparing Classical Realism and Neorealism: Differences 4.Methods 1.Neorealists: more deductive. 1.Logic of system. 2.Classical realists: more inductive. 1.Historical approach.