Comparing the approach of three generations of realism paradigm towards the international system

The international system is one of the widely used concepts of international relations,which has evolved under the influence of the assumptions of different theories of international relations.The different tendencies of the paradigm of realism,each based on their meta-theoretical and theoretical foundations,reflect a different approach towards the international system.Accordingly,the current research seeks to answer the question of which of the three generations of realism paradigm has a more comprehensive and accurate explanation about the international system? The present research is based on the hypothesis that the theory of neoclassical realism, as the third generation of the paradigm of realism,has a more comprehensive and accurate explanatory power compared to the first and second generations. Using the descriptive-analytical method,this research compares the nature and components of the international system in the form of four fundamental concepts of the realism paradigm, including anarchy,government, power and balance of power,from the perspective of three generations of the realism paradigm,including classical realism,structural realism,and neoclassical realism.According to the obtained results,neoclassical realists by redefining the role and position of anarchy ruling the international system and dissecting the state as the main actor of the international system, as well as building the concept and function of power and negating the naturalistic approach of classical realists and modifying the structuralist approach of neorealism regarding the balance of power category,show that neoclassical realism While maintaining the fundamental principles of the realism paradigm,realism has a higher explanatory power than the previous two generations.