PSCI281 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Kenneth Waltz, Offensive Realism, Defensive Realism
16 Dec 2019
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State has all the power, so the state is anarchical, and states much constantly pursue power to ensure their own survival. If they take ethics into consideration, they may not be choosing the most rational option. Security dilemma: happens under a period of anarchy. In a pursuit of security, states may pursue increasing their arsenal and making allies on the side. This could scare other states to do the same thing in fear of being attacked or occupied: creates a lot of tension and causes a lot of conflict. In the pursuit of security you can actually be causing conflict. Each state must try to gain as much power as they can. Power is relational in relation to another state. Power is relative relative to the capabilities of other states. Balance of power check on hegemonic states. Key thinkers: thucydides founder of this field, machiavelli, thomas hobbes, e. h carr.
