This document compares the theories of neorealism and neoliberalism in international relations. It defines neorealism as focusing on the structure of the international system and how it shapes outcomes, while neoliberalism believes states pursue absolute gains rather than relative gains over other states. The document outlines some key similarities and differences between the two theories, such as their views on international cooperation and priorities of states. It concludes that while the theories have differences in focus, they share underlying assumptions about the international system and nation states.

1. The Comparison of Neorealism and
Neoliberalism
SUBJECT: THEORY OF IR
LECTURER: DR. KONCAK
STUDENT: DZHUMAGUL MALDYBAEVA
GROUP: IR-4A
International Ataturk – Alatoo University

2. Content
 Neorealism
 Neoliberalism
 Similarities
 Differences
 Conclusion

3. What is a Neorealism?
 Neorealism is an ideological departure from Hans Morgenthau's writing
on classical realism. Classical realism originally explained the machinations
of international politics as being based on human nature, and therefore
subject to the ego and emotion of world leaders.
 Neorealism is often called “structural realism,” which signifies that the
theory primarily centers on the effects of the structure of the international
system when it seeks to explain outcomes in international politics.

4. What is a Neoliberalism?
 Neoliberalism refers to a school of thought which believes that states are,
or at least should be, concerned first and foremost with absolute
gains rather than relative gains to other states. Neoliberalism is not the
same as neoliberal economic ideology, although both theories use
common methodologies, which include game theory.
 Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye are considered the founders of the
neoliberal school of thought

5. Similarities and differences
Neoliberalism
 Neoliberals recognize that the
international system is
characterized by some "anarchy",
however, unlike the neorealist
emphasizing its fundamental
value consider that certain models
of interactions between the states
were developed.
Neorealism
 neorealists agree with neoliberals
that the international cooperation
is possible, but unlike them they
say that cooperation is difficult to
achieve and more dependent on
the governments.

6. Similarities and differences
Neoliberalism
 supporters of both approaches
agree with such priorities of the
states as national power and
economic wellbeing, but
neorealists attach bigger
significance to the first priority,
and neoliberals - to the second.
Neorealism
 neorealists insist that cooperation
brings relative benefit) and
neoliberals - that she is absolutely
favorable to its participants.

7. Similarities and differences
Neoliberalism
 neorealists recognize influence
and impact of the international
organizations on the international
relations, but believe that
neoliberals exaggerate their value.
Neorealism
 unlike neoliberals neorealists
emphasize value of the valid
opportunities, resources of the
states, than their political
intentions more.

8. Conclusion
 Both ‘neo’ theoretical approaches have their differences, neorealists focus primarily
on high politics and neoliberal institutionalists focus on low politics, but regardless
of this, they both share similar worldviews.They share a comparable epistemology
and ontology, focus on similar questions, and have a number of assumptions about
world politics, solidifying the IR mainstream against reflectivist attacks. The
assumptions shared by neo-neo purport that there is no common authority and
states are unitary and interest-maximizing actors. To conclude, I firmly believe that
the evolution of both neorealism and neoliberal institutionalism has resulted in
these theories falling under one header, and has subsequently together come
under fire from positivist attacks.