Abstract Book of the 9th International Academic Conference on Research in Social Sciences
Year: 2025
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Reconsidering Neorealism: Monitoring Global
Ikrame Kohl, Abdelali Benlyas
ABSTRACT:
In spite of multiple actions to establish a peaceful world order, the rising frequency of global conflicts demonstrates the continuous significance of neorealism as a theory in explaining the dynamics of international relations. Although entities such as the United Nations, international law, and multilateral treaties have been established to prevent conflict and set a peacekeeping floor, their limitations have become increasingly evident in increasing geopolitical tensions.
This study aims to revisit neorealism as a theoretical framework that reveals the underlying reasons for the continuous occurrence of conflict during an era marked by attempts to establish order.
Rooted in the concept of an anarchic international system, neorealism argues that the absence of a central authority forces nations to prioritize their survival and security precisely by aiming for more power. Regardless of the improvements in international Law and diplomatic policies, the main forces that shape the world order continue to create uncertainty and strategic competition.
This paper argues that neorealism presents a practical framework for understanding and explaining the return of conflicts in a multipolar world where power is diffused and alliances are brittle, together with institutions that struggle to establish dedication to agreements.
This analysis demonstrates the significance of neorealism in explaining contemporary global conflict by looking through challenges posed by the constraints of international processes and the longstanding impact of state behavior. The theory’s focus on power dynamics, security, and institutional limitations delivers a crucial understanding of the nature of conflict, highlighting its importance in grasping historical and modern challenges.
Keywords: neorealism, conflict, world order, multipolarity, power