When attempting to describe the neo

When attempting to describe the neorealist version of hegemonic stability theory, scholars often cite this work by Robert Keohane because it off clear explanation of the tenets and assumptions of the theory. Neorealists such as Robert Gilpin, believe the state is the most important actor in the international system and that states need a powerful leader to ensure com pliance with the rules. If the hegemonic leader chooses to enforce a set of neoliberal rules, the international system will be characterized by mone-tary and exchange stability, free trade, and a high potential for global eco nomic growth. When challengers to the hegemon arise, the system, accord ing to neorealist thought, becomes economically unstable and violent Keohane found some support for this theory. One of his primary criticisms surrounds the measurement of power. Hegemonic stability theori sts,Keohane believes, lean too heavily upon tangible resources (gross domestic product, oil import dependence, and similar factors) in their measurements of power, whereas intangibles. such as confidence in a currency or in some political positions relative to others receive too little attention or weight