Theoretical Implication: Neorealism vs. Neoliberal Institutionalism in Educational Diplomacy

Abstract

The article explores educational diplomacy as an evolving instrument of international relations, analysed through Neorealism and Neoliberal Institutionalism. It argues that scholarships, exchanges, and research collaborations serve as tools of soft power, shaping perceptions and fostering cooperation beyond military and economic means. Neorealism views these initiatives as strategic instruments for national interests and relative gains, while Neoliberal Institutionalism emphasizes their potential to create absolute gains, trust, and cooperation. Drawing on examples such as the U.S. Fulbright Program, China’s Confucius Institutes, and Pakistan’s scholarship initiatives, the study highlights how states employ education competitively and cooperatively. Special focus is given to South Asia, where India-Pakistan rivalry limits academic cooperation but also makes educational diplomacy valuable as a confidence-building measure. The article concludes that educational diplomacy is dual in nature, both a tool of power politics and a pathway for dialogue, interdependence, and regional stability.

Keywords: Neorealism, Neoliberal institutionalism, Regional security, Domestic politics, International diplomacy