The word "neorealists" is spelled as /niːoʊˈriəlɪsts/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It is derived from the Italian neorealismo, a film movement that originated in Italy after World War II. Neorealists refers to the adherents of this genre who focus on creating realistic depictions of everyday life. The first part of the word, "neoreal," is pronounced as /niːoʊˈriəl/, while the ending "-ists" is pronounced as /-ɪsts/. The double "o" in "neoreal" creates the diphthong / oʊ/, which is pronounced like the "o" in "go."
Neorealists are a group of theorists within the field of international relations who adopt a specific theoretical perspective known as neorealism. Neorealism, also referred to as structural realism, is a theory that seeks to explain state behavior in international politics based on the structure of the international system.
According to neorealists, the behavior of states is primarily driven by their pursuit of power and security in an anarchic international system. They argue that states are the primary actors in international relations, and their actions are shaped by the distribution of power among them. Neorealists believe that since there is no overarching authority or global government to enforce rules, states behave in a self-help manner, prioritizing their own security and survival.
Neorealists emphasize the importance of relative power capabilities and strategic interactions between states. They argue that power distribution determines the behavior of states, as states act according to their perception of threats and opportunities in the international system. Neorealists also posit that states aim to maximize their relative power position to ensure their own security and avoid potential vulnerabilities.
Neorealism is often contrasted with other theories, such as neoliberalism, which emphasize factors beyond power dynamics, such as institutions, norms, and cooperation. Neorealists maintain a more pessimistic view of international relations and focus on the structural constraints that shape state behavior. Through this lens, neorealists seek to provide a framework for understanding the actions and interactions of states in the international system.
The term "neorealists" is derived from the combination of the prefix "neo-" and the noun "realists".
- "Neo-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "neos", meaning "new" or "recent". It is commonly used to indicate "new" or "revived" forms or ideas.
- "Realists" refers to individuals or a school of thought emphasizing the accurate representation of reality, often associated with realistic or naturalistic art, literature, or philosophical perspectives.
The term "neorealists" is specifically linked to the field of International Relations, where it refers to scholars or theories that emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the assumptions and principles of classical realism in the study of international politics. Neorealism sought to build upon classical realism, introducing new concepts and theoretical frameworks to explain international relations in a more systematic and scientific manner.