International Relations Theories: Idealism Vs Neorealism

Although there are numerous international relations theories that exist within the world today, not many clash like neorealism and idealism do. Where neorealists see a world full of actors focused on achieving power for survival, idealists see many actors attempting to achieve that same survival through the use of cooperation instead of force. When neorealists say that power is the best means for survival, idealists assert that survival is not in power, but rather in cooperation and interdependence. It seems that at every turn, these two theories are pitted against one another. Despite the fact that there are many points on which neorealists and idealists disagree, some of which being how survival is best achieved, how to respond in the event of a collective action, and on which levels of analysis they place focus, they also agree on certain topics, …show more content…
They disagree on many topics, including solving collective action problems, how to maximize security, and which levels of analysis to focus on. But while this may be true, they more or less agree on the fact that states are some of the most important actors on the world stage. Surprisingly, both theories also agree that the anarchy of the system is what causes states to act in the ways that they do in order to ensure their survival. Although both do well in explaining certain aspects of international relations, neorealism explains events with more consistency and predicts future conflicts because of states’ constant struggles against one another for power, and is evident in events such as the United States’ aggressive response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Regardless of where these international relations theories stand on issues or which is more correct, both neorealism and idealism are crucial in understanding and identifying key aspects of the world