What is the difference between Realism and Neo-

Realism?
• Definition of Realism and Neo-Realism:
• Realism believes that conflicts arise because states are self-interested and power seeking
units as they are made of people who are self-interested and unchanging.

• Neo-realism believes that conflicts arise because of anarchy. Since there is no central
authority, the states try to seek power to help themselves.

• Focus:
• Realism focuses its interest on human nature.

• Neo-realism focuses its interest on the structure of the system.

• Interests:
• Realism is interested in power.

• Neo-realism is interested in security.

• Strategical approach:
• Realism believes in the implementation of strategies to approach conflict in international
relations.

• Although the neo-realist believes in defining strategies to approach conflict in international

relations, this approach is more inclined towards security.

• System polarity:
Both realism and neo-realism speaks about system polarity.

• In realism, since the focus is more on gaining power, unipolar system is the type of system
of polarity the realists speak the most about. In a unipolar system, there is only one great
power. So, to balance the power in an international system, all other countries have to come
together to equal the power of the one great power.

• In neo-realism, biopolar system is the most stable system according to neo-realists. In a

bipolar system, there are two great powers. So the international power is balanced.
Mutipolar system, though it is talked of by both realists and neo-realists, is not a very
favorable topic. That is because it means there are more than two great powers. In such a
situation, balancing power can be a great problem.

These are the important differences between realism and neo-realism.