Neoclassical Realism and Contemporary Global Rivalry. Understanding the challenges

The aim of this paper is to substantiate the research thesis that neoclassical realism is a useful tool in understanding and analyzing geopolitical global rivalry in the 21 st century. Author suggests its plurality and relatively broad possibilities of application, given that it enables the testing of a wide range of variables. Neoclassical realism combines elements of classical realism and neorealism in such a way that it complements neorealist analysis with elements of classical realism and an interest in domestic politics. Foreign policy of the state as a dependent variable is tried to be explained by analyzing independent variables at the structural/systemic level and intervening variables at the unit or state level. To investigate this issue, the Author using a descriptive methodological approach, explains the selected elements of the theory within the rivalry between the USA and China.