Neorealism is a film movement that emerged in post-World War II Italy. The word itself is spelled with the prefix "neo" and the noun "realism," which corresponds to the movement's aim to portray reality in a naturalistic and truthful way. The IPA transcription for "neorealism" is /niːəʊˈriːəlɪzəm/, which highlights the long "o" sound in the first syllable, the stress on the second syllable, and the "z" sound at the end of the word.
Neorealism, also known as structural realism, is a theoretical perspective within international relations that seeks to explain and analyze patterns of behavior among states in the international system. Building on the realist school of thought, neorealism focuses on the systemic level of analysis rather than the individual or domestic level.
Neorealism posits that the behavior of states is primarily shaped by the structure of the international system, which is characterized by anarchy and the absence of a central authority. This structure creates a constant state of competition and conflict among states, as each seeks to ensure its survival and maximize its relative power. Neorealism emphasizes the distribution of power within the international system as a key determinant of state behavior.
According to neorealist theory, states are driven by self-interest and engage in rational decision-making, often prioritizing security concerns over other considerations. States will form alliances and engage in balancing or bandwagoning behavior based on their perception of the distribution of power and the threats posed by other states. Neorealism argues that states are likely to behave in a similar manner regardless of their domestic political systems or the ideologies of their leaders, focusing instead on the constraints and opportunities imposed by the international system.
In summary, neorealism is a theoretical perspective that places systemic factors at the forefront, arguing that state behavior is largely determined by the structure of the international system and the distribution of power among states.
The term "neorealism" derives from the combination of two words: "neo" and "realism".
The prefix "neo" comes from the Greek word "neos", which means "new" or "recent". It is added to denote a revival or new form of an existing concept or movement.
The word "realism" derives from the Latin "realis", meaning "real". Realism is an artistic, literary, or philosophical approach that emphasizes the accurate and truthful representation of reality, portraying it as it is, without idealization or embellishment.
Therefore, when combined as "neorealism", the term refers to a renewed or updated version of realism, particularly in cinema or the arts. Neorealism emerged in post-World War II Italy as a movement that aimed to depict the social and economic realities of the country, often focusing on the lives of ordinary people and employing non-professional actors.