PSC 124.200: International Relations
Hans Peter Schmitz, Spring 2008
Theories of IR
Basic assumptions of neorealism:
States are the only actors in international politics.
The international system is characterized by anarchy.
States are mainly concerned with survival and security.
States arm themselves and enter alliances for their protection.
States face a security dilemma and will seek a balance of power.
Basic assumptions of neoliberal institutionalism:
States are the main actors in international politics.
The international system is characterized by interdependence.
States are mainly concerned with economic gain.
States cooperate to create international institutions with the goal of avoiding market failures and
creating trust.
International relations are peacefully driven by self-interested, economic behavior.
Basic assumptions of constructivism/transnationalism:
States, intergovernmental organizations, and NGOs are actors in global affairs.
The international system is characterized by the rule of norms (human rights, etc.)
NGOs and IGOs play an important role in spreading norms and teaching states.
States are subject to norms and IGO/NGO pressures; their self-interests are not the primary mover
of global affairs.
What is the difference between neorealism and (neoliberal) institutionalism?
Both perspectives agree that states are the main actors in international relations, act in rational selfinterest, and are faced with anarchy as an obstacle to cooperation. However, neorealists view
anarchy as a threat to survival, while institutionalists see it as a threat to cooperation. For
instiutionalists, institutions help states to overcome impediments to cooperation as states have an
incentive to cooperate (public goods) or learn how to work together (reciprocity).
What is the relationship between liberalism and institutionalism?
Liberalism emphasizes domestic sources of cooperation and conflict. It supplements an
institutionalist view of international politics and specifies which domestic actors have an interest in
creating IGOs and more cooperative structures.
What is the difference between (neo-)liberal institutionalists and constructivists?
Institutionalists agree (rejecting realism) that international institutions (such as IGOs) matter.
While neoliberal institutionalists think that IGOs facilitate inter-state cooperation (arenas),
constructivists claim that IGOs are independent forces (actors).
What do institutions do?
Neoliberal institutionalism: Arenas of cooperation, provide information, lower transaction costs,
increase transparency, monitoring, impartial adjudication; result: more trust and cooperation.
Constructivism: Teach norms, provide legitimacy, allocate resources, empower NGOs and IGOs;
result: supranational governance