Realistic Theory Research Articles

Neoclassical realism in international relations theory: Searching for its own path

Neoclassical realism emerged as part of the neorealists’ response to the criticism of their core theoretical provisions, intended to adapt the latter to the challenges of post-bipolar international relations. However, with further elucidation and formalization of the key ideas and premises of neoclassical realism it started to assert itself as an independent research approach, and even more so, as a special, metasynthetic theory. In order to assess the validity of these claims and, in general, to better understand the place of neoclassical realism in the theory of international relations, this paper considers it within the context of the evolutionary logic of the realist paradigm and neorealism, in particular. The first section identifies the origins and main theoretical provisions of neoclassical realism. The second section covers modern theoretical debates on the essence of and prospects for further development of analytical and methodological aspects of this approach. In order to provide a better understanding of the epistemological potential of the neoclassical realism, the third section examines empirical researches carried out within its framework. The author concludes that at the moment neoclassical realism can hardly qualify for the status of an independent theoretical position, let alone a meta-theory. It is more appropriate to consider it as a peculiar form, specific research model within the framework of the (neo)realist paradigm. As such, it allows putting forward verifiable hypotheses based on the analysis of the relationships between the independent, dependent and interfering variables, and also opens up new opportunities for conducting empirical research on a wide range of subject matters. At the same time, there is still a lot of work to be done to overcome the eclecticism inherent to neoclassical realism and to better define its ontological, epistemological and methodological foundations.

Islamic View towards International Relations

Islam emphasizes the protection of human dignity and respect for each individual as a result of true humanity. In the Islamic view, society is united under one legal system from the Koran and Sunnah. Islamic legal experts agree that Muslims are united, regardless of differences in territory or position. Islamic law embraces all humanity without discrimination. This research highlights the study of Islam in international relations, emphasizing that Islam is not a collection of separate ideas but a cohesive system rooted in profound principles. The research methodology includes historical and comparative approaches with critical analysis. The theory of realism dominates international relations, viewing it as an arena of unstable conflict, emphasizing national interests, power and war. Islam provides an alternative perspective by affirming justice, peace and cooperation regardless of belief.

Agential Cuts for Justice: Honoring Complexity in Educational Research through Intersectional Design Dimensions

This article explores the complexity and challenges of making decisions regarding which theories and social categories (e.g. race, class) should be emphasized in justice-centered research that includes participants’ identities as key variables in the design. Drawing on theories of intersectionality, agential realism, and complexity, the author proposes four intersectional design dimensions to help justice-centered researchers honor complexity: reflection on self and purpose; making agential cuts; complexifying social categories; and intersectional and collaborative re-view. Each dimension is illustrated with theory and empirical examples, mostly drawing from the field of educational research. By attending to and continually revisiting agential cuts related to social categories in conversation with community members, researchers can better represent layered, complex, and changing phenomena.

Realist evaluation of maternity waiting home intervention models in Inhambane, Mozambique: protocol for a comparative embedded case study, the Mozambique-Canada Maternal Health Project

IntroductionThis is a study protocol that tests and refines realist theories regarding the uptake and scale-up of the linked maternity waiting home (hereafter MWH) and facility birth intervention in the...

The Multifaceted Impacts and Reasons of the Ukraine War: A Theoretical Analysis

The armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine that began in 2022 has reached diverse effects and reasons in the system. But Russia deems Ukraine within her sphere of influence and has been infuriated at Ukraine’s nearness with the West and her desire to join NATO or the EU. The main purpose of this article is to discuss the multiple effects of the conflict on the global powers and explain how states’ national interests and goals have driven their responses in the foreign policy. The main driving point of this article is to focus on the several reasons and effects of Ukraine war that shakes the balance between the global powers in the world and how it disturbs the already existing order. This article will benefit from the perspectives of realism theory when deciphering the causes of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the regional and global implications of this conflict in various ways. To reveal the increasing power race within the system, to be able to see the changing balances within the framework of the concept of national interest and to see the impact of the war within the system, the theory of neorealism has been included in the study. This article will focus on three levels of analysis such as individual, state, and systemic in examining the main driving forces behind of Russia and Ukraine conflict. This war was not only occurred between Russia and Ukraine, it has had also created a huge impact on the other regions or international organizations in a different area. Regardless of the outcome of the war in Ukraine, Russia remains the most dangerous, immediate, and long-term threat to the Euro-Atlantic community and rules-based world order. During this study, it will focus on the descriptive theory by using comparison methods and techniques.

Populism, Collective Narcissism, and Support for War

Abstract People’s pro-war attitudes provide an important lens for understanding the various conflicts and wars taking place around the globe. The present research bridges the social psychological insights on ingroup identity with the macro realism theory of international relations studies. It examines the association of populism and collective narcissism with support for war under the conditions of offensive and defensive realist foreign policies. The research comprises two studies. Study 1 shows that populism is linked with offensive realism, whereas collective narcissism is associated with defensive realism. Study 2 further demonstrates that the perceptions of threat mediate the relationship between collective narcissism and support for war, rather than mediating the relationship between populism and support for war. Both populism and collective narcissism are related to authoritarianism. This research contributes to a theoretical understanding of the effects of populism and collective narcissism on resorting to military actions in international politics.

Impact of Climate Change on Global Security and Cooperation in Mexico

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate impact of climate change on global security and cooperation in Mexico
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: Climate change exacerbates security risks in Mexico through extreme weather events, economic instability, and social tensions. This poses threats to food and water security, increases vulnerability to natural disasters, and fuels conflicts over resources. To address these challenges, Mexico collaborates with international partners, develops adaptation strategies, and invests in renewable energy. Cooperation at national and global levels is crucial to build resilience and mitigate the impacts of climate change on security.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Realism theory, complex interdependence theory & environmental security theory may be used to anchor future studies impact of climate change on global security and cooperation in Mexico. Governments and international organizations should prioritize climate diplomacy as a cornerstone of foreign policy. Governments should conduct climate-security risk assessments to identify vulnerable regions and potential hotspots.

Role of Multilateral Institutions in Managing Regional Conflicts and Crises in Democratic Republic of Congo

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate role of multilateral institutions in managing regional conflicts and crises in Democratic Republic of Congo
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: Multilateral institutions play a crucial role in managing regional conflicts and crises by employing a range of diplomatic, humanitarian, peacekeeping, and development interventions. While facing various challenges, their continued engagement and collaboration remain essential for promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in conflict-affected regions worldwide.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Realism theory, constructivism theory & liberal institutionalism theory may be used to anchor future studies on the role of multilateral institutions in managing regional conflicts and crises in Democratic Republic of Congo. Multilateral institutions offer a neutral platform for diplomatic engagement. Multilateral institutions influence policy development by convening member states and experts to craft effective conflict management strategies.

Challenges and Opportunities of Digital Diplomacy and Cyberwarfare in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate challenges and opportunities of digital diplomacy and cyberwarfare
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: Climate change exacerbates security risks in Mexico through extreme weather events, economic instability, and social tensions. This poses threats to food and water security, increases vulnerability to natural disasters, and fuels conflicts over resources. To address these challenges, Mexico collaborates with international partners, develops adaptation strategies, and invests in renewable energy. Cooperation at national and global levels is crucial to build resilience and mitigate the impacts of climate change on security.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Realism theory, constructivism theory & cybersecurity deterrence theory may be used to anchor future studies impact of climate change on global security and cooperation in Mexico. Invest in capacity building for diplomats and foreign service personnel in the field of digital diplomacy and cybersecurity. Implement robust national and international cybersecurity legislation that includes provisions specific to the protection of diplomatic communications and infrastructure.

Changing strategy and foreign policy of the United States regarding Afghanistan and the new interim government of the Taliban

The history of Afghanistan has always been accompanied by insecurity, military occupation, intra-sectarian and religious differences, foreign interventions and poverty of the society, which did not turn this country into a field to protect the interests of foreign powers. The relationship between Afghanistan and other countries such as Russia, China and Iran has always been considered in the foreign policy equations of the American governments. Occurrences subsequent to the incidents of September 11 and the military occupation of Afghanistan in 2001 removed the Taliban from power until 2021, simultaneously as the withdrawal of American troops and the fall of Afghan cities. The Taliban put the power at their disposal after two decades. The main question is how can the US foreign policy approach be explained prior to the establishment of the Taliban group? The current research, with the explanatory method according to the theory of realism, seeks to test this hypothesis that the domination of the Taliban at the top of Afghanistan's power did not mean the complete withdrawal of America from that country, but rather for various reasons such as concern about the growing power of China, heavy military expenditures, the presence of regional powers. Like Russia, China, and Iran, the failure to destroy terrorism, disagreement with the Afghan government and agreement with the Taliban can be explained.

Promoting Kenya’s National Interests through Strategic Communication: Challenges and Opportunities

Purpose: Throughout history, nations have sought to protect, promote and advance their national interests. Countries use various elements and instruments of national power in pursuit of those national interest. These includes military, diplomatic, economic and information. Like other nations, Kenya employs these instruments in various ways. Strategic communications, forms a key element of the information aspect of national power. Despite the importance of strategic communications in the pursuit of national interests, this paradigm has not been fully acknowledged nor been substantially leveraged on. This study therefore had the key objectives of determining the role of strategic communications in selected case studies in promotion of national interests, examining the role of strategic communications in promoting Kenya’s national interests and identifying opportunities and challenges of strategic communications in promoting national interests.
 Methodology: This study adopted a pragmatic research methodology. Both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were adopted. The qualitative research offered the usual narrative information collected through interviews. While information acquired through questionnaires and interviews offered quantitative data necessary data on the role of strategic communication in promoting Kenya’s national interests. Being a cross-sectional research study, the researcher used interviews for gathering data, and questionnaires for data collection. This study used purposeful sampling to choose 86 respondents in ‘Job Group’ ‘P’ and above from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Security and National Administration and the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Digital Economy based in Nairobi. The quantitative data gathered from the questionnaires was coded, edited, organized, and analyzed with the assistance frequency tables, whereas the qualitative data obtained from the open-ended questions of the interviews is thematically analyzed in accordance with the research objectives.
 Findings: The findings reveal that the Government of Kenya has attempted to institutionalize strategic communications in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This study further shows that if well capacitated, coordinated and provided with requisite leadership, these institutions provide opportunities that would be useful in the synchronization of the instruments of national power. The study identified various opportunities as well as challenges encountered in the utilization of strategic communications in promoting Kenya’s national interests.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study was informed by Institutional and Realism theories. The Institutional theory has been identified as one of the most prominent theoretical perceptions of organizational and management research while Realism is considered a longstanding theory, critical in understanding social phenomena from different perspectives. The study recommended the entrenchment strategic communications in the National Security Council (NSC) by setting up an office of strategic communications and coordination under the NSC. Moreover, there is need to ensure implementation of the National Communication Policy and Strategy while ensuring harmonization through a whole government approach that can lead to policy coherence.

Health Insurance Schemes and Their Influences on Healthcare Variation in Asian Countries: A Realist Review and Theory's Testing in Thailand.

Various features in health insurance schemes may lead to variation in healthcare. Unwarranted variations raise concerns about suboptimal quality of care, differing treatments for similar needs, or unnecessary financial burdens on patients and health systems. This realist review aims to explore insurance features that may contribute to healthcare variation in Asian countries; and to understand influencing mechanisms and contexts. We undertook a realist review. First, we developed an initial theory. Second, we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature in Scopus, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science to produce a middle range theory for Asian countries. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to appraise the methodological quality of included studies. Finally, we tested the theory in Thailand by interviewing nine experts, and further refined the theory. Our systematic search identified 14 empirical studies. We produced a middle range theory in a context-mechanism-outcome configuration (CMOc) which presented seven insurance features: benefit package, cost-sharing policies, beneficiaries, contracted providers, provider payment methods, budget size, and administration and management, that influenced variation through 20 interlinked demand- and supply-side mechanisms. The refined theory for Thailand added eight mechanisms and discarded six mechanisms irrelevant to the local context. Our middle range and refined theories provide information about health insurance features associated with healthcare variation. We encourage policy-makers and researchers to test the CMOc in their specific contexts. Appropriately validated, it can help design interventions in health insurance schemes to prevent or mitigate the detrimental effects of unwarranted healthcare variation.

Saudi Arabia’s costly war in Yemen: a neoclassical realist theory of overbalancing

Saudi Arabia faced multiple threats from Yemen in 2015: its southern neighbor had collapsed; a hostile sub-state actor, the Houthis, was entrenching itself along the border; and the presence of its rival Iran was growing. Responding was rational; it would have been sub-optimal for Riyadh to underbalance by doing little to counter the threat. Instead, however, Saudi Arabia overbalanced by launching a major air campaign and imposing a maritime and air blockade; as a result, it became bogged down in a costly war it cannot win. Why was this the case, and with what consequences? To answer this question, this article develops and applies a neoclassical realist theory of overbalancing. The first objective is nomothetic: to develop a theory of overbalancing, an important phenomenon neglected by the balancing literature. The second is empirical: to shed light on the Saudi decision to launch the war in Yemen.

Mechanisms of threat: How Finland and Sweden abandoned non-alignment

Finland and Sweden are two countries with long histories of military non-alignment. In 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, both countries swiftly decided to apply for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Why and how does such a drastic policy change come about? In this paper, I assess realist theory of threat and show that despite their apparent similarity, the reactions of the Nordic nonaligned to the Russian aggression differed significantly. Finland immediately sought protection from NATO, while Sweden attempted to continue non-alignment. Ultimately, the two countries reached the same alignment conclusion through different causal mechanisms.

Individual change in rejection of equal opportunities for foreigners among adolescents and young adults in Switzerland: Testing realistic conflict theory from a dynamic perspective.

This study's objective is to test one of the key theoretical orientations in the literature on intergroup relations, realistic conflict theory, from a dynamic perspective. In this study, we focus on adolescents who are, according to the 'impressionable years'-hypothesis, most likely to change in their rejection of equal opportunities. Realistic conflict theory is applied in a dynamic way by taking into account economic characteristics related to the adolescent and the household. We employ Swiss panel data covering the period 1999-2017, containing information of both adolescents and the household they live in. Results demonstrate that there is relatively little variation within adolescents in rejection of equal opportunities for foreigners. Despite of using a broad range of characteristics related to adolescents' as well as the household's economic situation, the changes that do occur within individuals could hardly be explained by those economic changes. Socialisation theories on direct parental influences appeared to better explain changes in rejection of equal opportunities.

Философский реализм: первые годы жизни

In spite of the fact that ideas in line with the world-outlook format of realism (as also those in the format of irrealism) come back already to Antiquity, it was not earlier than from the end of the 18th century that the metaphilosophical concept under discussion has begun to evolve. The initial becoming of the concept of philosophical realism during score of years from the first edition of Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason (1781) to Schelling’s System of Transcendental Idealism (1801) is just being dealt with in this paper. The term came about eighty years later than “idealism” (introduced in 1702 by Leibnitz), and Kant inaugurated it most likely to distance his system from that of Berke­ley to whom he was indebted, it seems, still more than to Hume (their congeniality is spe­cified in the article in the mirror of intercultural philosophy, i.e. in both systems, just as in the Buddhist vijňānavāda, our persuasion that we can perceive outer things as existing independently from our mind was regarded as the radical illusion of mind). The author stands up for Friedrich Jacobi by offering specification of the advantages of “the robust realism” over “feigned” Kantian realism. Meanwhile, he suggests also the distinction be­tween the transcendental idealistic doctrine of Kant and realistic potency of his philosophy, which, in his opinion, becomes more intelligible after Hilary Putnam’s theory of realism. In this context the Kantian term “transcendental realism” itself could acquire not negative but mostly affirmative connotations. The author also suggests actualization of Kant’s “re­alistic capacity” for today’s ontology by highlighting his implicit differentiation of the layers of reality. In contrast, Fichtean and Schellingean dialectical sports with cor­relations of idealism and realism could be of interest, in the author’s view, only to histori­ans of philosophy.

Sino-Russian cooperation under US and European sanctions: Chinese car brands flood into the Russian market

This article uses a realist theoretical framework to thoroughly investigate the motives, processes, and multifaceted impacts of Chinese automobile brands entering the Russian market. The research findings reveal that the transnational market strategy of Chinese brands is based not only on the pursuit of national interests and economic independence but also on a flexible response to changes in the international political and economic structure. Amid the economic sanctions imposed by Western countries on Russia, a power vacuum has emerged in the Russian automotive market. Chinese automobile brands accurately identified and swiftly seized this opportunity, successfully entering and expanding their market share in Russia. This move has not only increased China’s influence in the global automotive industry but also further strengthened the strategic partnership between China and Russia. From a geopolitical perspective, this economic activity has also bolstered political and economic cooperation between China and Russia to resist the pressure from Western governments. This study enriches the application of realism theory in the field of international political economy and provides new perspectives and insights into understanding the motives and strategic choices of national behavior in a complex and changing international environment. By examining the case of Chinese automobile brands in Russia, this research contributes to the broader discourse on the strategic interactions between major global powers and their implications for the international political and economic order. The analysis highlights the importance of adaptive market strategies in achieving national objectives and underscores the interplay between economic strategies and geopolitical dynamics. The insights from this study are valuable for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners interested in international trade, political economy, and strategic studies, offering lessons for navigating the complexities of global market dynamics and international relations.

Biden's Strategic Competition Approach Towards China

Purpose- This paper aims to analysis and explore the causes of Biden's preference for the strategic competition approach to address China's threat. 
 
 Design/methodology/approach- The paper relies on the offensive realism theory as the most relevant theory to examine the US polies and approaches towards China, or US-Sino strategic competition. In particular, the theory is suited to explore Biden's preference for the strategic competition approach, and not the hostile approach. As the theory contends that the great powers are rational actors do not engage in destructive wars if the balance of power is not in their favor.
 
 Findings- Since 2008 U.S perceives China as a most serious threat to its global hegemony. Obama and Trump's administrations have prioritized the strategic competition approach towards China, which aims at containing China's power smoothly without sliding competition to the level of severe hostility. Biden maintained this approach and also, reinforced it to avoid as much as possible major hostility with China. Through, for instance, rallying alliances and multilateralism. Based on that, the study suggests the U.S will prioritize this approach unless China upsets the existing balance by annexing Taiwan or taking full control of the South China Sea. 
 
 Originality/value -The significance of the paper emanates from providing an in-depth analysis and explanation of the cause of the conflict or the cold war between China and the United States, and the main policies and approaches that the United States adopt to deal with China.

Baby Come Back: Resident-Digital Nomad Conflicts, Destination Identification, and Revisit Intention

Due to the increasing popularity of remote work, digital nomadism has become a growing trend. Given that digital nomads can stay in destinations longer, their contacts with residents become more dynamic, including numerous social conflicts. By drawing on realistic group conflict theory and social identity complexity, this paper investigates how the negative consequences of social conflicts can be mitigated to strengthen the digital nomads’ identification with the destination and increase revisit intention. Using a multi-national sample of 307 digital nomads from four popular destinations, we find that the negative consequences of social conflicts can be alleviated by stronger cooperative contact through which residents provide instrumental support to digital nomads. Moreover, we find that through enhanced identification and cooperative contact with residents, digital nomads also develop a localized identity that threatens their nomadic identity and thus reduces revisit intention. The study provides insights for practitioners on effectively catering to this segment of travelers.

Is Margaret Cavendish a naïve realist?

AbstractPerception plays a central and wide‐ranging role in the philosophy of Margaret Cavendish. In this paper, I argue that Cavendish holds a naïve realist theory of perception. The case draws on what Cavendish has to say about perceptual presentation, the role of sympathy in experience, the natures of hallucination and of illusion, and the individuation of kinds. While Cavendish takes perception to have representational content, I explain how this is consistent with naïve realism. In closing, I address challenges to the interpretation, one of which turns on whether Cavendish allows for action at a distance. I argue that she does.