Power and Systemic Dependence from Liberalism to Neoliberalism

Abstract

This paper analyzes and compares the concept of power as defined both in liberalism/neoliberalism and realism. As a result, it is presented that there is not a big difference between the definitions of liberal/neoliberal and realist approaches in terms of the goals and both schools converge in that aspect. While realism emphasizes the importance of military power, liberalism/neoliberalism points out the importance of power arising from economic relations. In this analytical framework, a definition of systemic power is presented. Systemic power is not the capacity of a state to have a direct influence on others' behaviors but power that arises from a state's ability to change the political and economic structure of the system. In this context, systemic power is crucial in creating and maintaining hegemony.

Keywords

Systemic power, Liberalism, Neoliberalism, Realism, Hegemony, Liberal Internationalism, International Regimes.

Citation

Bozdağlıoğlu, Yücel, Özen, Çınar, “Power and Systemic Dependence from Liberalism to Neoliberalism”, International Relations, Volume 1, Issue 4 (Winter 2004), pp. 59-79.

Affiliations

• Yücel Bozdağlıoğlu, Assistant Professor, Adnan Menderes University, Department of International Relations
• Çınar Özen, Associate Professor, Izmir University of Economics, Department of International Relations and European Union