The Neorealism and Neoliberalism Behind International Relations During Covid‐19

Abstract

The literature contains much discussion on the contemporary differences between neorealism and neoliberalism, especially in the context of international relations. However there have, as yet, been limited attempts to investigate how these international relations theories fare in explaining state responses to the COVID-19 outbreak. This study reviews the conceptual frameworks underpinning neorealism and neoliberalism and applies them to key state behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak. Some examples of neorealism attached to the current pandemic include: criticism of the role of the World Health Organization, the closure of international borders, international competition to collect pharmaceutical products, bans on exports, richer states protecting their national interests, the international misuse of power during emergency orders, restrictions placed on the international media, and the deployment of military forces. By contrast, neoliberalism's focus on international cooperation is noted in U.S., Chinese, and other countries’ attempts to distribute knowledge and aid internationally, as well as in the efforts of key international organizations like the World Health Organization and the global Covax initiative. I offer an evidence-based conceptual framework using neorealism and neoliberalism to show how both have informed international behavior during the COVID-19 outbreak—although continued emphasis on the former shows few signs of abating as the pandemic approaches its third year.

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“…Neoliberalists would hold an optimistic view that this cooperative behavior would extend to state actors, who are concerned about their international reputation and chances of future cooperation, which could be damaged if they act in a self-centered, protectionist way. For instance, China and the United States cooperated to combat the Ebola virus in 2013-2014, along with some African countries (Alhammadi, 2022). Liberal institutionalists believe that international institutions help states cope with market failure (Keohane, 1984, pp.…”

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“…However, Sarcinschi also acknowledges the boost of international cooperation through "vaccine diplomacy" or the distribution of vaccines as a diplomatic tool, there was also a rise in attempts to produce nationalistic sentiments which brought forth issues of competition for resources and vaccine nationalism. We have also witnessed classic neorealist behaviours from states such as the closure of international borders, international competition, the critique of the role and influence of the World Health Organization and deployment of military forces (Alhammadi, 2021). With the interests of their citizens in mind, states continue to prioritize an 'us first' mentality, based on the principle of self-help and a continued reluctance to international cooperation.…”

Note From the Editor

“…These theoretical strands are then applied to explain state responses to the COVID-19 outbreak and crisis. Abdullah Alhammadi (2022) shows, in "The Neorealism and Neoliberalism Behind International Relations during COVID-19," that both approaches have informed the key efforts the United States and China, among others, as well as key practices of the World Health Organization (and state and international responses to it). However, the author finds that continued emphasis on neorealist behavior on the international stage still appears to have the upper hand as the pandemic prepares to enter its third year.…”