Linking Systemic Changes to Domestic Factors: Neoclassical Realism as a Tool for Analysing a State’s Global Policy

This chapter focuses on neoclassical realism, chosen as the theoretical approach for this research. Neoclassical realism is characterised and contextualised within contemporary global changes as a modern variant of the traditional realist school of thought. The causal reasoning framework used within it is explained, as well as its application in the present research, encompassing the relevant variables: independent (systemic incentives), intervening (internal factors), and dependent (foreign policy). The chapter goes on to outline the initial position of Germany in the international system at the beginning of the twenty-first century, present the German perception of changes occurring in the system, and identify the intervening variable, which consists of three elements: political parties, academic and research institutions, and economic organisations. Complementing the internal context are considerations about the fundamental concept of state power and its relevance to the example of Germany and its global policy within the realm of realist theories.