ABSTRACT
Neomercantilism is the IPE counterpart 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, and the Industrial Revolution gave new impetus to neomercantilists who viewed industrialization as essential for a states military power, security, and economic self-sufficiency. Neomercantilists are more inclined than liberals to portray the hegemon as furthering its national interest rather than the general good. The preoccupation of neomercantilists with power and relative gains leads them to emphasize distributional issues among the most powerful states. Russian and Chinese energy neomercantilism has also been motivated by an effort to counter US hegemony. The preoccupation of neomercantilists with relative gains causes them to be highly skeptical about the influence of international institutions.
