Neorealism and Its Critics

by Robert O. Keohane

Book Overview

Sparked by Kenneth Waltz's Theory of International Relations, this classic text is a summary of current thinking on neorealism, a revival of the tradition that emphasizes state power struggles in world affairs. With contributions by John Ruggie, Robert Cox, Richard Ashley, and Robert Gilpin, the book also includes an introductory essay by Keohane and a concluding chapter by Waltz

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0231063490
• ISBN13: 9780231063494
• Release Date: April 1986
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 392 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.9" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Foundational analysis in an engaging format

This book is a compilation of articles written by six international relations theorists debating various aspects of Kenneth Waltz's neorealism. These authors, including two of neorealism's harshest critics, analyze the theory and Waltz responds with analysis reprinted from his prior work or written specifically for this book. I found this debate format to be effective and engaging. Many of the articles also provide valuable historical context essential to understanding neorealism's relevance in international relations theory. So, for example Robert Keohane explains neorealism's place in international relations theory by providing an historical account of realist approaches over the centuries while Robert Cox presents a very different explanation by providing a Marxist historical account. The thoughtful arguments from so many different respected academics combined with responses from the father of the theory, makes for a high quality discussion. Lastly, I only wrote a review because I thought it was a travesty that half the reviewers here are talking about how this is a boring read. Recognizing that political theory is usually more challenging than reading the funnies or waiting mindlessly for the Daily Show punchline, the writing quality here is generally high with unusual clarity on the key points that separate theorists. If you are looking to understand the fundamentals of current international relations theory and the debate that surrounds its future direction, this is a unique and invaluable book.

An in-depth study of the theory of neo-realism

This book, which is a collaboration of many of the most prominent thinkers in IR theory, sets out the debate between proponents of Neo-Realism led by Kenneth Waltz, and its critics. It starts by setting out Waltz's reworking of classical realist thought and then proceeds through a number of arguments for and against his work and culminates in a review by Waltz. Most the chapters are drawn from other sources, such books and major political journals, however Waltz's rebuttal is new and adds a new defence against critics of neo-realism. As other reviewers of this book have alluded to, this is a difficult book to read for those without an understanding or background in the theories of IR and should in no way be considered an elementary reading. However, for more senior students and academics, this book presents a wonderful review of the arguments.

Classic Book for IR Scholars

This book was essential in a number of graduate-level International Relations courses I took, as part of my course of study in 2003-2004. I earned my degree in National Security Affairs. This is a cornerstone book - as it delves into many essential concepts in international relations theory. If you really want to understand key root theories in IR, read this book. Keohane does a great job introducing other influential theorists, as well. Other highly recommended authors/scholars/writers on the subject include Walt, Waltz, Krasner, Nye, Morgenthau, and Gilpin. I also, personally recommend papers and books by G. John Ikenberry.