Neoclassical realism and foreign policy analysis : a possible way of integration?

The main goal of the article is to discuss whether neoclassical realism (NCR), described as the most recent realist research programme might be perceived as a fruitful way of integrating IR theory with the assumptions of foreign policy analysis (FPA). Consequently, the research question that has to be answered, is whether the NCR has succeeded as a new research programme developed as an attempt to give the Waltzian theory more explanatory power. The article starts with a critical analysis of the main assumptions of the NCR, after which it focuses on FPA defined as a subdiscipline of IR. The third part of the text draws the attention to the neoclassical realism’s integration of ‘intervening variables’ that bring FPA insights into the realist theoretical paradigm. It is argued that apart from numerous theoretical flaws, there is still a possible way to develop its theoretical depth through careful borrowing from FPA.