Scribd
Upload
22 views2 pages

Anarchy and Balance of Power in International Relations

The document discusses the anarchic nature of the international system, where states rely on self-help for security and maintain a balance of power to prevent dominance. It highlights the security dilemma, where one state's actions can create insecurity for others, and the role of force in achieving security objectives. Additionally, it addresses the limited effectiveness of international institutions, which are seen as tools for powerful states, with cooperation being temporary and based on self-interest.

Uploaded by

phoenix.project.ek
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
22 views2 pages

Anarchy and Balance of Power in International Relations

The document discusses the anarchic nature of the international system, where states rely on self-help for security and maintain a balance of power to prevent dominance. It highlights the security dilemma, where one state's actions can create insecurity for others, and the role of force in achieving security objectives. Additionally, it addresses the limited effectiveness of international institutions, which are seen as tools for powerful states, with cooperation being temporary and based on self-interest.

Uploaded by

phoenix.project.ek
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

09/08/2023

ANARCHY, SELF-HELP AND BALANCE


OF POWER

• The international system is anarchic, lacking a central authority


to enforce rules.
• States must rely on their own capabilities and resources for
security.
• Self-help ensures survival and protects national interests.
• States seek to maintain a balance of power to prevent
dominance by any single state or coalition.
• Alliances are formed to counter potential threats.
• Historical examples: Concert of Europe post-Napoleonic era,
Cold War balance between NATO and Warsaw Pact.

SECURITY DILEMMA AND USE OF


FORCE

• Actions taken by one state to enhance security may create


insecurity for others.
• Arms race and military build-up as a result of mistrust and fear.
• Challenges in cooperation due to inherent suspicion.
• Realists accept the role of force as a legitimate tool for achieving
security objectives.
• War is seen as an extension of politics, and conflict is inevitable
in an anarchic system.
• Deterrence is crucial to prevent aggression.

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND


COOPERATION

• Realists view international organisations as tools of powerful


states to advance their interests.
• Institutions are perceived to have limited effectiveness in
resolving conflicts.
• Treaties and agreements may be violated if not aligned with
state interests.
• States cooperate when it aligns with their self-interest and
enhances their security.
• Realists do not dismiss cooperation altogether but emphasize
that it is often temporary and based on strategic calculations.

3
09/08/2023

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND


COOPERATION

• Realists view international organisations as tools of powerful


states to advance their interests.
• Institutions are perceived to have limited effectiveness in
resolving conflicts.
• Treaties and agreements may be violated if not aligned with
state interests.
• States cooperate when it aligns with their self-interest and
enhances their security.
• Realists do not dismiss cooperation altogether but emphasize
that it is often temporary and based on strategic calculations.

You might also like