They disagree on many topics, including solving collective action problems, how to maximize security, and which levels of analysis to focus on. But while this may be true, they more or less agree on the fact that states are some of the most important actors on the world stage. Surprisingly, both theories also agree that the anarchy of the system is what causes states to act in the ways that they do in order to ensure their survival. Although both do well in explaining certain aspects of international relations, neorealism explains events with more consistency and predicts future conflicts because of states’ constant struggles against one another for power, and is evident in events such as the United States’ aggressive response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Regardless of where these international relations theories stand on issues or which is more correct, both neorealism and idealism are crucial in understanding and identifying key aspects of the world
They disagree on many topics, including solving collective action problems, how to maximize security, and which levels of analysis to focus on. But while this may be true, they more or less agree on the fact that states are some of the most important actors on the world stage. Surprisingly, both theories also agree that the anarchy of the system is what causes states to act in the ways that they do in order to ensure their survival. Although both do well in explaining certain aspects of international relations, neorealism explains events with more consistency and predicts future conflicts because of states’ constant struggles against one another for power, and is evident in events such as the United States’ aggressive response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Regardless of where these international relations theories stand on issues or which is more correct, both neorealism and idealism are crucial in understanding and identifying key aspects of the world