ipl-logo

The Anarchy Condition Realism And Liberalism

1349 Words6 Pages

DEFINITION OF ANARCHY According to Macmillan English Dictionary , anarchy can be defined as a situation in which there is no government or no social control in a country. In the context of international relations, anarchy means that there is no hierarchical global authority which can set up and sustain regulation to create order in international affairs. Kenneth Waltz, in Man, the State, and War defines anarchy as a condition of opportunity for "permissive" cause of war, arguing that "wars occur because there is nothing to prevent them." It is the human nature or domestic politics of predator states, however, that provide the initial motion or "efficient" cause of conflict which forces other states to respond in kind. The anarchy condition …show more content…

Realism theorists emphasize that the anarchical international system command states to position security as their main interest because other states have a tendency to look opportunities to take benefit of each other by any means such as getting advantage from military force. This notion derived from the philosophy of necessity which views states actions as a result of predictable condition. In addition, realism view states violence as a result of the prevalent power struggle in international system. As Morgenthou said, “International politics is struggle for power”. Within this conditions the daily life in international system is always characterize by struggle among states with the possibility of war in the background. It can be conclude that the condition of anarchy shape the international politics by dictates states behaviour as the primary units in the …show more content…

Therefore, each state needs to constantly take full advantage of their relative power ability. Nevertheless, since security issue is zero sum, it create security dilemma, in which the more power gain by one state will make other state insecure and then seek to enhance its power as well. The security dilemma is a phrase used in international relations and refers to a situation in which actions by a state anticipated to increase its security, such as increasing its military strength or making alliances, which lead other states to react with similar measures, producing bigger pressure that create conflict, even when no side really desires it. In other word any effort a state makes to increase its own security will actually decrease its security. The rivalry between US and Soviet Union during cold war manifested through nuclear contest is one of the most evident examples of the security dilemma. Both countries continue building up their nuclear collection after each had obtained a secure second strike

Show More
Related

  • Should The United States Abolish Nuclear Weapons Dbq Essay

    688 Words  | 3 Pages

    Throughout the years of 1945 and 1991, the U.S. and the Soviet Union were involved in what is today is identified as the Cold War. During this dark time many lived in fear due to the newest weapon that would be used in war, nuclear weapons. These weapons caused fear throughout the whole world because of their capability to kill thousands with just one. Today many debate over the abolition of nuclear weapons in the United States. Some argue that the U.S. should abolish nuclear weapons, while others say nuclear weapons should not be abolished in the United States.

    Read More

  • Nuclear Deterrence Between The United States And The Union Of Soviet Socialist Republics

    262 Words  | 2 Pages

    The art of fear is essential in nuclear deterrence. Using the film Dr. Strangelove (Stanley Kubrick, 1964) I will argue that nuclear deterrence is hard to achieve when communication of nuclear capabilities is not well established amongst states. In this paper, I will use the film Dr. Strangelove (1964) to argue how theories such as deterrence theory, realist theory, security dilemma, preventative war, pre-emptive war as well as relative gains and zero sum game led to a failure to achieve nuclear deterrence between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. To make my argument on how more nuclear weapons may hinder deterrence, this essay will proceed as follows; I will firstly discuss the how nuclear deterrence and mutually

    Read More

  • The Cold War, Berlin Wall, And The Arms Race

    969 Words  | 4 Pages

    There was always this sort of race to have the most powerful weapons between the United States and the Soviet Union. Both countries engaged in a military and geopolitical struggle that avoided full-scale war (Weisner-Hanks,

    Read More

  • Realist Approach To Military Security

    2260 Words  | 10 Pages

    Looking back over the development of the Security Studies field, there can be no doubt that the realist tradition has exercised enormous influence. Even the harshest of critics can acknowledge that with their focus on power, fear, and anarchy, realist theories have provided centrally important explanations for conflict and war (Williams, 2013). One interpretation of realism that is unbroken amongst most commentators of the theory is that realists are individuals that believe the State is the principle actor in international politics and that they are very concerned with the balance of power (Marsalis, 2013). They argue that all the State’s actions and choices are a reflection of the collective will of the people, which is also an argument

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Anarchism: What It Really Stands For By Goldman

    124 Words  | 1 Pages

    In "Anarchism: What It Really Stands For," Goldman points out the myth of anarchism. Anarchism is impractical, and it stands for violence and destruction, so it must be rejected as dangerous. Anarchists believe that the state is unnecessary because order and social harmony can arise naturally and spontaneously. They also view the state as evil because it goes against the principles of freedom and inequality. On the other hand, anarchists do not believe in laws because human knows what is good and bad and how to act appropriately in the society.

    Read More

  • Realism Vs. Liberalism In International Relations

    902 Words  | 4 Pages

    The theory unleashes such dynamic forces that from the time of its inception up till now it has governed the international system of the world however things one day itself fall apart. The Realists mark the State as the locus of different international circles and these sovereign states have vested interests which are always selfish. Realism is a heartless theory, man is not supposed to be selfish in the way exaggerated by the Realist thinker however [he] is a seeker of knowledge and what so ever he stumbles upon, he keeps

    Read More

  • Examples Of Realism In The Gulf War

    1312 Words  | 6 Pages

    The Gulf War- A Realist Perspective Introduction Persian Gulf War, also called Gulf War (1990–91), was an international conflict that was triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. Iraq’s leader, Saddam Hussein, ordered the invasion and occupation of Kuwait with the apparent aim of • acquiring that nation’s large oil reserves, • canceling a large debt Iraq owed Kuwait, • and expanding Iraqi power in the region. If Saddam were successful in capturing Kuwait, he would be considered the Supreme Leader of the Oil rich area. But it was not only a question of oil; territory was another relevant issue in Saddam’s agenda. He wanted to gain access of an old disputed territory, Kuwait.

    Read More

  • Arguments Against Anarchism

    1389 Words  | 6 Pages

    Anarchism is the political theory that hierarchical order is unnecessary in society and that human beings can cooperate without such structures overseeing them. Anarchy as a political theory has potential but it fails to recognize that authority is a natural state. Reworking some terms of authority may be beneficial for a kinder, more humane government in the future, but eliminating all forms of authority is not realistic. In an ideal anarchist society, with cooperation between all humans, we could experience true freedom in the form of individual autonomy. We should look to anarchist ideals such as equality and freedom of expression for how we would like to see the future, but relying on the philosophy to govern our lives would not likely pan out well.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Adam Watson's Evolution Of International Society

    740 Words  | 3 Pages

    national politics Adam Watson’s Evolution of International Society gave a new dimension in the understanding of international relations (IR). He deeply studied comparatively the formation of international society and political community of the past which has evolved into the modern world system in his ‘Evolution of International Society’. Unlike Kenneth Waltz views of anarchy as the only system in IR, Watson says there are two systems viz. anarchy and hierarchy. In between these systems is the hegemony which defines the contemporary IR.

    Read More

  • Realist Theory Of Realism

    839 Words  | 4 Pages

    Realism is arguably one of the most well-grounded, widely interpreted Intro to Realism A great majority of scholars in IR theory trace the origins of realism back to the great ancient Greek thinker, Thucydides. Thucydides followed states’ vigorous struggle for the power and security during the course of the Peloponnesian war (431–404 BC) with great attention and recounted his findings and theories in his book entitled the ‘History of the Peloponnesian War’. He perceived the international realm as one dominated by anarchy where states are in a constant struggle for survival.

    Read More

  • Similarities Between Realism And Liberalism

    1938 Words  | 8 Pages

    The current work is meant to explain the differences and similarities between the most dominant theories in international relations, Realism and Liberalism, both theories have some similarities and differences but much more important and interesting is to discuss and explain what differs and makes similar both theories. Conflicts and wars, Similarities and differences between Realism and Liberalism: Both Liberalism and Realism believes that there is no world government that can prevent countries to go to war on one another. For both theories military power is important and both Realism and Liberalism can understand that countries can use military power to get what they need or want. Also, both theories are conscious that without military

    Read More

  • Realism Theory In The Israel And Palestine Conflict

    1316 Words  | 6 Pages

    THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK It involves using theories to explain the existing problem in various situations. Realism theory and the dependency theory will be used to explain the existing conflict between Israel and Palestine. It will also be able to justify the use of force by the Israeli government when dealing with Palestinian Hamas. Realism theory in the Israeli and Palestine conflict Realism theory explains how states are selfish, struggle to gain power and succeed in acquiring its national interests in the international system. Realists identify world politics as a trans-historical and trans-geographical struggle for power, and that in this context Thucydides’ dictum that, “the strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept what they have to accept” (where strength and weakness are calculated by military capabilities) is the stark and universal truth (Schmidt, 2007; Thucydides, 1972, p. 402).

    Read More

  • Protest Against The Campaign For Nuclear Disarmament

    862 Words  | 4 Pages

    Though while the United States are reducing the role of nuclear weapons in its national security, countries such as Russia, who has added 40 new intercontinental nuclear missiles to their arsenal, are increasing it. The presence of rogue nuclear powers such as North Korea and potentially Iran, and growing tensions between nuclear powers, as well as treaty violations, are making the need for nuclear disarmament has

    Read More

  • Difference Between Classical And Classical Realism

    795 Words  | 4 Pages

    Classical realism and structural realism are both theories of International Relations, therefore huge differences are noticed in between those two. The main difference lies in the motivation to power, which is seen differently by both theories. Classical realism is concentrated in the desire of power- influence, control and dominance as basic to human nature. Whereas, structural realism is focused on the international system anarchic structure and how the great powers behave. Classical realists believe that power is related to human nature, thus their analysis of individuals and states is similar.

    Read More

  • Similarities Between Realism And Idealism

    1381 Words  | 6 Pages

    The international relations schools of thought known as Realism and Idealism identify specific and similar characteristics of actors in the conceptual development of their theories. While many of these characteristics can be generalized as being synonymous with the two theories, both theories make a separate distinction in what specifically constitutes an actor. In Realism, the term “actor” refers directly and solely to the state: a combination of government, leaders, decision-makers, etc, that act as a unitary entity to promote the interests of the state. Idealists, however, expand on what constitutes an actor to include both the state and people. Not only do the principles of Idealism assert that the state and people should be considered actors, in fact, both they must be viewed as actors.

    Read More

More about The Anarchy Condition Realism And Liberalism

Open Document