This Article examines the foreign policy of the U.S. from 9-11 towards 2008 under the theoretical umbrella of the neo-realistic approach of studying international relations. It is shown, that the Neorealism is a powerful and explanatory approach for the understanding of U.S.´s foreign policy after 9-11.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Notes on Methodology and Analytic Approach
- Theoretical Part
- Basic Assumptions of Neo-Realistic Theory of International Relations
- Neo-Realistic Theory of Foreign Policy
- Summary of Results
- Empirical Part
- Preliminary Notes
- Empirical Indicators for the persistence of Neo-Realistic Approach in case of the Analysis of U.S. Foreign Policy after 9-11
- Conclusions
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes U.S. foreign policy after 9/11 through the lens of Neo-Realist theory. It aims to evaluate the efficacy of this theoretical framework in explaining the actions of the United States following the attacks. The analysis focuses on specific aspects of U.S. foreign policy, examining whether the Neo-Realist perspective provides a convincing explanation.
- The applicability of Neo-Realistic theory to understand post-9/11 U.S. foreign policy.
- The role of maintaining American superiority and strategic autonomy in shaping U.S. foreign policy decisions.
- The significance of instrumental multilateralism within the context of Neo-Realist analysis.
- An assessment of the hypothesis that a Neo-Realistic framework is the most effective approach for analyzing U.S. foreign policy post-9/11.
- Evaluation of U.S. foreign policy actions such as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the PATRIOT Acts, within a Neo-Realist framework.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage for the paper, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of the September 11th attacks on American society and international politics. It establishes the paper's objective: to analyze U.S. foreign policy post-9/11 using a Neo-Realist theoretical approach, acknowledging that this is not the only possible approach but one that may yield valuable insights. The introduction outlines the structure of the paper, previewing the methodological approach, the theoretical framework (Neo-Realism), and the empirical analysis of U.S. foreign policy.
Notes on Methodology and Analytic Approach: This chapter details the methodological framework of the paper. It explicitly states the paper's central hypothesis: that a Neo-Realist framework offers the most effective means of analyzing U.S. foreign policy post-9/11. The chapter explains the process of verifying or falsifying this hypothesis. It outlines the stages of the analysis: first, presenting the theoretical underpinnings of Neo-Realism; second, adding relevant notes on Neo-Realist theory pertinent to foreign policy analysis; and third, analyzing U.S. foreign policy post-9/11 through a Neo-Realist lens. The chapter clarifies that while the analysis focuses on this specific case, the findings may not necessarily be generalizable to all instances of foreign policy.
Theoretical Part: Basic Assumptions of Neo-Realistic Theory of International Relations: This section lays the groundwork by explaining the basic assumptions and hypotheses of Neo-Realism. It contrasts Neo-Realism with Classical Realism, highlighting the difference in their explanations for state behavior in the international system. While Classical Realism attributes conflict to inherent human nature, Neo-Realism emphasizes the anarchic nature of the international system as the driving force behind state actions. The chapter discusses the central tenets of Neo-Realism, such as the centrality of states as actors, the pursuit of security in a hostile environment, and the inherent dangers of the international system.
Theoretical Part: Neo-Realistic Theory of Foreign Policy: This chapter expands upon the core principles of Neo-Realism, specifically focusing on their application to foreign policy analysis. It builds upon the foundations laid in the previous chapter, providing a more detailed explanation of how Neo-Realist concepts apply to understanding and interpreting state behavior in international relations. This section likely further clarifies the key assumptions relevant to the paper's analysis of U.S. foreign policy.
Keywords
Neo-Realism, U.S. foreign policy, 9/11, international relations theory, strategic autonomy, instrumental multilateralism, American hegemony, post-9/11 wars, PATRIOT Acts, security.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of U.S. Foreign Policy Post-9/11 Through a Neo-Realist Lens
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper analyzes U.S. foreign policy after the September 11th, 2001 attacks through the lens of Neo-Realist theory. It aims to evaluate how well this theoretical framework explains the actions of the United States following the attacks.
What is the central hypothesis of the paper?
The central hypothesis is that a Neo-Realist framework offers the most effective way to analyze U.S. foreign policy post-9/11.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the applicability of Neo-Realist theory to post-9/11 U.S. foreign policy, the role of maintaining American superiority and strategic autonomy, the significance of instrumental multilateralism, and an assessment of the Neo-Realist framework's effectiveness in explaining specific U.S. foreign policy actions (e.g., wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, PATRIOT Acts).
What theoretical framework is used in this analysis?
The paper utilizes Neo-Realist theory of international relations. It explains the core assumptions of Neo-Realism, contrasting it with Classical Realism, and details how these principles apply to foreign policy analysis.
What aspects of U.S. foreign policy are examined?
The analysis focuses on specific aspects of U.S. foreign policy post-9/11, examining whether the Neo-Realist perspective provides a convincing explanation for actions taken. Examples include the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the PATRIOT Acts.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into several sections: an introduction, a methodology section, a theoretical part (exploring Neo-Realist theory and its application to foreign policy), an empirical part analyzing U.S. foreign policy post-9/11 through the Neo-Realist lens, and concluding remarks.
What methodology is employed in the paper?
The paper outlines a methodological framework for verifying or falsifying its central hypothesis. This involves presenting the theoretical underpinnings of Neo-Realism, applying relevant Neo-Realist concepts to foreign policy analysis, and analyzing specific U.S. foreign policy actions post-9/11 within this framework.
What are the key keywords associated with this paper?
Key words include: Neo-Realism, U.S. foreign policy, 9/11, international relations theory, strategic autonomy, instrumental multilateralism, American hegemony, post-9/11 wars, PATRIOT Acts, security.
What does the introduction section cover?
The introduction sets the context, highlighting the impact of 9/11, states the paper's objective (analyzing U.S. foreign policy post-9/11 using Neo-Realism), and outlines the paper's structure and approach.
What is covered in the chapter on Methodology and Analytic Approach?
This chapter details the methodological framework, explicitly stating the central hypothesis and explaining the process of its verification or falsification. It outlines the stages of analysis: presenting Neo-Realist theory, applying it to foreign policy, and then analyzing the post-9/11 U.S. foreign policy.
What is discussed in the Theoretical Part of the paper?
The theoretical part is divided into subsections. One explains the basic assumptions and hypotheses of Neo-Realism, contrasting it with Classical Realism. Another focuses on the application of Neo-Realist concepts to foreign policy analysis, providing a detailed explanation of how Neo-Realist concepts apply to understanding and interpreting state behavior in international relations.
- Arbeit zitieren
- B.A. Jan-Frederik Kremer (Autor:in), 2008, The Neo-Realist Perspective: U.S. Foreign Policy after 9-11, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148809
