Neoclassical Realism and Contemporary Global Rivalry. Understanding the challenges

<ns3:p> 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 <ns3:sup>st</ns3:sup> 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 as well as identifies the rivalry between the USA and China as an excellent testing ground for the theory. </ns3:p>