Neorealism in International Relations

Neorealism, also called structural realism, is a theory in International Relations that explains how countries behave based on the international system's structure. It suggests that because the system lacks a central authority, nations prioritize their security and power to survive. This leads them to act competitively, often balancing against threats and seeking dominance. Neorealism emphasizes that the environment—anarchy—limits cooperation and shapes state behavior more than individual intentions. It highlights the importance of power dynamics and how the distribution of power among countries influences global stability and conflicts.