Neoclassical Realism, the State, and Foreign Policy

This book argues that the internal dynamics of states affect their foreign policies, as well as the nature of the international system.

Steven E. Lobell (Edited by), Norrin M. Ripsman (Edited by), Jeffrey W. Taliaferro (Edited by)

9780521731928, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 15 January 2009

324 pages, 6 tables
22.8 x 15.3 x 1.6 cm, 0.53 kg

'All in all, the well balanced volume illustrates the enduring theoretical power of Realism and particularly Neoclassical Realism's successful attempt to open the 'black box' of the state … Neoclassical Realism, the State, and Foreign Policy can be recommended not only to those interested in international relations theory as it relates to the state and its foreign policy, but also to those who still believe - wrongly - that Realism is only about brutish and nasty power politics in the international system.' Jodok Troy, Diplomacy and Statecraft

Neoclassical realism is an important approach to international relations. Focusing on the interaction of the international system and the internal dynamics of states, neoclassical realism seeks to explain the grand strategies of individual states as opposed to recurrent patterns of international outcomes. This book offers the first systematic survey of the neoclassical realist approach. The editors lead a group of senior and emerging scholars in presenting a variety of neoclassical realist approaches to states' grand strategies. They examine the central role of the 'state' and seek to explain why, how, and under what conditions the internal characteristics of states intervene between their leaders' assessments of international threats and opportunities, and the actual diplomatic, military, and foreign economic policies those leaders are likely to pursue.

1. Introduction: neoclassical realism, the state, and foreign policy Jeffrey W. Taliaferro, Steven E. Lobell and Norrin M. Ripsman
2. Threat assessment, the state, and foreign policy: a neoclassical realist model Steven E. Lobell
3. Neoclassical realism and strategic calculations: explaining divergent British, French, and Soviet strategies toward Germany between the world wars (1919–39) Mark R. Brawley
4. Neoclassical realism and identity: peril despite profit across the Taiwan Strait Jennifer Sterling-Folker
5. Neoclassical realism and the national interests: presidents, domestic politics, and major military interventions Colin Dueck
6. Neoclassical realism and domestic interest groups Norrin M. Ripsman
7. Neoclassical realism and resource extraction: state building for future war Jeffrey W. Taliaferro
8. Neoclassical realism and state mobilization: expansionist ideology in the age of mass politics Randall L. Schweller
9. The limits of neoclassical realism: additive and interactive approaches to explaining foreign policy preferences Benjamin O. Fordham
10. Conclusion: the state of neoclassical realism Norrin M. Ripsman, Jeffrey W. Taliaferro and Steven E. Lobell.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS], Central government [JPQ]