CultureAugust 30, 2026

neorealism

nee-oh-REE-uh-li-zum

Definition

A major theoretical school in International Relations that emphasizes the systemic, structural influence of the international system on state behavior, often drawing from Kenneth Waltz's work.

Etymology

Derived from the prefix 'neo-' (meaning new) and 'realism' (the established IR theory focusing on power and state security), indicating a modernized or restructured version of the classical realist tradition.

In the news

The article cites Waltz's 1979 book as the foundational text of neorealism, noting that many well-known IR theorists used it as a departure point for their own perspectives.

Interview – Hidemi Suganami

Read the full article ↗

E-International Relations

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