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‘Neo’ means new or the latest. Neo-Realism is more refined and advanced strand of Realism. Neo-Realism unlike the original Realism is more moderate form in International Relations.

Origin of Neo-Realism
Neo-Realism originated in latter part of 1970s. It was the reactionary product of Neo-Liberalism which once again posed serious threat to the Realist idea of state centrism. It was the work of Kenneth Waltz with the title of ‘Theory of International Politics’ which gave birth to neo-realism.

Exponent of Neo-Realism
Among the modern exponents of neo-realism the name of Kenneth Waltz echoes. He is regarded as founder of this theoretical approach in the International Relations. Waltz sticking to the traditional ideas of Realism, infuses a new spirit in this approach by not utterly rejecting the possibilities of cooperation among the states of the world.

Postulates of Neo-Realism
Postulates of new-realism are the same as that of realism. They differ in a few points which are explained as following;

• There exists international anarchy which serves as basis of international relations rather than the Human nature of violence.
• World states follow the idea of self – help to empower themselves and act in international relations.
• There exists Security Dilemma in international relations. States accumulate power for their security and survival which leads most of them into a race of armament and militarization.
• Possibilities of cooperation between the states need not to be overlooked when they are serving the interests of a state.
• It is not the cooperation however but the ‘Balance of Power’ that actually prevent the states from large scale war.

Criticism on Neo-Realism Theory of International Relations
Neo-Realism is criticized on the account of following points;

• Still the theory is extreme and regards state as the sole actors of international relations.
• It admits cooperation now but it has not yet rejected war as an option.
• Focuses on national power and national interests of a state which actually undermine the possibilities for cooperation.
• The theory of Neo-Realism gives a mixed vision not a clear cut one. It is not inclined on a single side.

Conclusion
Neo-Realism is actually the reaction to the action posed by Neo-Liberalism. The theory has not given up the basic postulates of Realism but it is still moderate as compared to its original version. Neo-Realism is brainchild of Kenneth Waltz who believed neither in extreme liberalism not in extreme realism. As a consequence, he devised a middle way to meet the ideals in international relations.