POLSCI 1AB3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Billiard Ball, Power Projection, A Question Of Balance
11 Apr 2018
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Document Summary
According to realist theory, politics between states (international relations) is different than politics within states (domestic politics) International politics is characterized by competition, struggle, and insecurity. International outcomes in all areas (not just military matters) are best understood by focusing on the following terms: state power. The state is the most important actor in the international system. Other actors are subordinate to the states consider the role of the security council in the united nations. If you want to understand international outcomes, you should look at states, their political interests, and their relative power with respect to one another. The domestic environment (democratic, non-democratic) does not provide us with any insight on how a state acts in its international relations. A billiard ball model of politics: survival is the primary motive of every state. Any means to secure this end will be pursued. Military power is often the best means to secure this end: relative gains.
