The Neo-Realist Perspective: U.S. Foreign Policy after 9-11

Scientific Essay , 2008 , 18 Pages , Grade: peer reviewed (1,0)

Politics - Region: USA

This Article examines the foreign policy of the U.S. from 9-11 towards 2008 under the theoretical umbrella of the neo-realistic approach of studying international relations. It is shown, that the Neorealism is a powerful and explanatory approach for the understanding of U.S.´s foreign policy after 9-11.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• INTRODUCTION
• 1. NOTES ON METHODOLOGY AND ANALYTIC APPROACH
• 2. THEORETICAL PART
  • 2.1. Basic Assumptions of Neo-Realistic Theory of International Relations
  • 2.2. Neo-Realistic Theory of Foreign Policy
  • 2.3. Summary of Results
• 3. EMPIRICAL PART
  • 3.1 Preliminary Notes
  • 3.2. Empirical Indicators for the persistence of Neo-Realistic Approach in case of the Analysis of U.S. Foreign Policy after 9-11
• CONCLUSIONS
• REFERENCES

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This paper aims to analyze the foreign policy of the United States after the events of September 11, 2001, using the theoretical framework of Neo-Realism. It seeks to understand the role of states in international relations and how Neo-Realism can explain the behavior of the United States in the post-9/11 era. The paper focuses on the specific case of U.S. foreign policy, examining whether Neo-Realism provides a convincing explanation for the observed actions and strategies.

• The basic assumptions and hypotheses of Neo-Realistic theory of international relations.
• The application of Neo-Realistic theory to the analysis of foreign policy.
• The persistence of Neo-Realistic approach in explaining U.S. foreign policy after 9-11.
• The role of the United States in the international system.
• The impact of the 9/11 attacks on U.S. foreign policy.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

The first chapter of this work outlines the methodology and analytic approach employed in the paper. It establishes the theoretical framework of Neo-Realism as the primary lens for analyzing U.S. foreign policy after 9-11. The chapter also introduces the hypothesis that Neo-Realism provides the most compelling and purposive explanation for the observed actions of the United States in this context.

Chapter 2 delves into the core assumptions and hypotheses of Neo-Realistic theory of international relations. It traces the historical development of Realism, highlighting the contributions of key figures like Thucydides and Hans Morgenthau. The chapter contrasts classical Realism with Neo-Realism, emphasizing the latter's focus on the structural constraints of the international system rather than human nature. It also explores the implications of Neo-Realism for understanding the behavior of states in a world characterized by anarchy and the pursuit of security.

Chapter 3 examines the foreign policy of the United States after 9-11 through the lens of Neo-Realism. It analyzes two key characteristics of U.S. foreign policy identified by scholars: the maintenance of America's superiority and strategic autonomy, and the use of instrumental multilateralism. The chapter explores how these characteristics align with the predictions and insights of Neo-Realism, providing empirical evidence to support or refute the hypothesis presented in the first chapter.

Schlüsselwörter

The keywords and focus themes of the text include Neo-Realism, U.S. foreign policy, 9/11, international relations, state behavior, security, anarchy, strategic autonomy, instrumental multilateralism, and the international system. The paper explores the applicability of Neo-Realism in explaining the actions and strategies of the United States in the post-9/11 era, examining the role of the United States as a global power and the impact of the 9/11 attacks on its foreign policy.

• College: Ruhr-University of Bochum
• Grade: peer reviewed (1,0)
• Author: B.A. Jan-Frederik Kremer (Author)
• Publication Year: 2008
• Pages: 18
• Catalog Number: V148809
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640604685
• ISBN (Book): 9783640604982
• Language: English
• Tags: Neo-Realist, Perspective, Foreign, Policy