What is the Difference Between Realism and Neo-Realism?

Realism and Neo-Realism are two different schools of thought in international relations that focus on explaining the causes of conflict in the international system. The main differences between them are:

1. Emphasis: Classical Realism, a form of Realism, places emphasis on human and domestic factors, while Neo-Realism focuses on how the structure of the international system determines state behavior.
2. Human Nature vs. Anarchy: Classical Realism suggests that power in the international system is a direct result of forces inherent in human nature, while Neo-Realism locates causation in the anarchic international system.
3. State vs. System: In Classical Realism, the state is ontologically superior to the system, allowing more space for agency. Neo-Realism, on the other hand, considers interstate conflict as rooted in the absence of central authority.
4. Status Quo vs. Revisionist Powers: Classical Realists differentiate between status-quo powers and revisionist powers, while Neo-Realism does not make this distinction.
5. Rigor and Scientific Approach: Neo-Realists attempt to construct a more rigorous and scientific approach to the study of international relations, heavily influenced by the behaviorist revolution of the 1960s. Classical Realism, however, does not have the same level of rigor.
6. Hierarchy: Neo-Realism is anarchical in character and not hierarchical, unlike Realism.

Despite these differences, both Realism and Neo-Realism share some similarities, such as their focus on explaining the nature of conflict in international relations and their emphasis on realistic portrayals of the world.

Comparative Table: Realism vs Neo-Realism

Here is a table comparing the differences between Realism and Neo-Realism:

Realism focuses on power politics and the state-centric approach, drawing from history, sociology, and philosophy. It examines concepts such as the balance of power and the security dilemma, emphasizing the importance of domestic institutions, diplomacy, and national morale.

Neo-Realism, on the other hand, is more focused on the international system as a whole and the anarchic nature of international relations. It is based on a rigorous, parsimonious social-scientific theory that is empirically grounded. Neo-Realism suggests that interstate conflict is rooted in the absence of a central authority, and states seek to maximize power rather than security. It considers the international system as anarchic, and it is not hierarchical like Realism.