Theory of Complex Interdependence: A Comparative Analysis of Realist and Neoliberal Thoughts

The post-Cold War era witnessed a realization among the nation-states that the criteria for achieving real power was something beyond hard power, rather it required a secure economic and technological advancement. This led to an interesting debate between realists and liberals, each trying to convince that their arguments were more valid and relevant to prevailing global trends. In the context of this debate, this paper seeks to critically analyze the theory of ‘Complex Interdependence’ which challenged the fundamental assumptions of traditional and structural realism. Complex Interdependence became a central component of the neoliberal perspective. It highlighted the emergence of transnational actors vis-à-vis the state. Complex Interdependence model tried to synthesize the realist and liberal perspectives. Thus the main aim of this paper is to carry out a comparative analysis of realist and neoliberal schools of thought and to explore the prevalence of these approaches in the contemporary world politics. The major conclusion of this paper is that following the rise of international regimes and institutions, the traditional military capabilities have been compensated with the importance of welfare and trade in foreign policy matters. It concludes that the neoliberal perspective has attained much importance and there is an obvious willingness among the states to enter into cooperative alliances with one another under conditions of anarchy and dependence even.