In che modo e in quale misura la teoria del neorealismo di Kenneth Waltz spiega il comportamento degli Stati nel sistema internazionale?

Abstract

Questa tesi esamina la teoria del neorealismo di Kenneth Waltz e la sua importanza nell’ambito delle Relazioni Internazionali. Inizia analizzando le basi intellettuali del realismo e concetti chiave quali potere, anarchia e sopravvivenza dello Stato. Successivamente, esplora il quadro teorico del realismo strutturale elaborato da Waltz in Theory of International Politics (1979), ponendo particolare attenzione al ruolo del sistema internazionale, al principio dello self help alla distribuzione delle capacità nel determinare il comportamento degli Stati.

This thesis examines Kenneth Waltz's theory of neorealism and its significance in International Relations. It begins by analyzing the intellectual foundations of realism and key concepts such as power, anarchy, and state survival. It then explores Waltz's structural realist framework as presented in Theory of International Politics (1979), emphasizing the role of the international system, self-help, and the distribution of capabilities in shaping state behavior. The thesis then examines the critiques of neorealism advanced by Robert W. Cox, John Gerard Ruggie, and Robert O. Keohane. While Cox challenges the ahistorical and problem-solving character of Waltz's theory, Ruggie highlights its difficulty in accounting for structural transformation and historical change. Keohane argues that neorealism underestimates the role of international institutions in facilitating cooperation. Lastly, the study examines the contributions of John J. Mearsheimer and Robert Jervis. Mearsheimer's offensive realism presents a more pessimistic interpretation of international politics based on power maximization and great-power competition, whereas Jervis's concept of the security dilemma explains how insecurity and conflict may emerge even among states with defensive intentions. The thesis concludes that Waltz's neorealism remains one of the most influential theories of International Relations due to its structural explanation of state behavior under anarchy. At the same time, the critiques and developments examined throughout the study both the strengths and limitations of structural realism.