Neorealist Theory Of International Cooperation Essay

In this paper, I will expand the Neorealist argument that international cooperation is unlikely due to the constraints of anarchy, and that cooperation will only occur when two states face a common threat. I will also present the Neoliberal argument that holds international cooperation as difficult, yet likely, so long as institutions are in place to lower transaction costs. From a Neorealist perspective international cooperation is highly unlikely. Neorealists assert that there is no overarching authority in the international system. The only major actors in international politics are sovereign states. Due to the lack of higher authority to protect these states, they are forced into a self-help system. Under anarchy, states are thought to be alike in that they share the same goal: to pursue security and survival in a system which guarantees neither. As a result of this central goal, states are assumed to be unitary, rational actors whose behavior follows predictable patterns in pursuance of survival. The method by which states attempt to guarantee their security and survival is through the accumulation of power. By accumulating …show more content…
Neoliberals argue that the Neorealist view of the world holds best when there is low interconnectivity between states. However, when there is high interdependence, states come to share a wide range of interests in trade, environmental protections, and a range of other issues. Thus, Neoliberals contend that international cooperation is likely to occur because it is in a state’s self interest to do so most of the time. However, they share the sentiment of Neorealists that cooperation is difficult under anarchy. The primary difference between the two is that Neoliberals have confidence in the power of institutions to lower transaction costs and help states