Theoretical and Meta-Theoretical Bases and Critique of Neoclassical Realism

Neoclassical Realism Theory was established within the framework of Realistic paradigm in order to solve the problems of Realism theories which cannot explain why actors behave differently even under stable systemic circumstances. The purpose of this paper is to detect the meta-theoretical and theoretical bases of Neoclassical Realism as a theory which aims is to test Realism theories according to basic principles of Realism paradigm. The methods to fulfill that purpose is case study, objective observation and subjective analysis. Hence, Neoclassical Realism examines the principles that have been neglected in other theories of Realism paradigm. The main question of the Theory is, why the international relations theories and Realism theories as well, are unable to explain and interpret the causal relations in the system, and how to overcome this deficiency? Neoclassical Realism supposes that an inclusive theory for explaining the causal relations in the International system should study the International system as the point of departure, but also emphasizes on the units domestic characteristics, and identifies the resulting behaviours through the domestic structures channel. Therefore, the main question of the article is identifying the effects of theoretical and meta-theoretical bases of Neoclassical Realism on understanding International Relations. The results show that, the rationalistic bases of Neoclassical Realism has been able to complete the realistic understanding of International Relations, although it still suffers from the dominance of materialistic viewpoint and that has made it unable to describe some of the international behaviours in a holistic analysis.