ABSTRACT
Neomercantilism is an IPE application of realism, which is the oldest school of thought in international relations (IR). Neomercantilists are interested in the struggle among states for economic resources and the economic strategies the great powers use to further their national interests. Mercantilism was a preindustrial doctrine; the Industrial Revolution gave new impetus to neomercantilists, who viewed industrialization as essential for a state’s military power, security, and economic self-sufficiency. The preoccupation of neomercantilists with power and relative gains leads them to emphasize distributional issues among the most powerful states, and to be highly skeptical about the influence of non-state actors, including international institutions. Neomercantilists are more inclined than liberals to portray the hegemon as furthering its national interest rather than the general good; this raises questions regarding the nature of U.S. postwar hegemony and the potential challenge from a rising China.
