Original scientific paper
NEOCLASSICAL REALISM AS A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FOR FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE PERCEPTIONS, BELIEFS AND IDEAS OF STATE LEADERS
Abstract
Foreign policy has been one of the essential and most important state policies since the beginning of human civilization, without which it is impossible to imagine the functioning of a state. Given the fact that foreign policy is a complex and diverse activity of the state, the question arises how to analyse such a policy in the best scientific way. This paper presents a review of the neoclassical realism, as a theoretical framework that is relatively underrepresented in the literature within the Croatian academic community, and which, in our opinion, could be used more often due to its plurality and relatively wide area of application, given that it allows testing of a wide range of variables. Neoclassical realism combines elements of classical realism and neorealism, in a way that complements neorealist analysis with elements of classical realism and interest in domestic politics and the role of state leaders. In doing so, it tries to provide explanation of the foreign policy, as a dependent variable, by analysing independent variables at the structural/systemic level and intervening variables at the unit/state level.
Keywords
neoclassical realism; realism; neorealism; classical realism; international relations; foreign policy
Hrčak ID:
248082
URI
Publication date:
15.6.2020.
Visits: 2.982 *
