Neorealism and neoliberalism in the contemporary international relations theory

Abstract

The author explores some fundamental aspects of international cooperation its functional incentives and structural limitations, by describing the discussion between two most influential approaches in international relations theory: neorealism and neoliberalism, or to be more precise between defensive neorealism and neoliberal institutionalism. During the discussion on possibilities and limitations of international co-operation neorealism and neoliberalism showed their differences, but also similarities of views that resulted in their approach, which is called the neo-neo synthesis in international relations theory. The discussion, that has been going on for three decades in USA also reflects on the practical foreign policy decision making in this country. The discussion contains the ideas that can serve as means to explain some foreign policy approaches in our country as well.

Keywords

• international cooperation
• structural constraints
• functional imperatives
• neorealism
• neoliberalism
• defensive neorealism
• neoliberal institutionalism
• neo-neo synthesis