POLC09H3 Lecture Notes - Offensive Realism, Buck Passing, Power Transition Theory
Document Summary
Main variables and predictions: predicts the offense/defense balance and distinguish between offensive/defensive postures; this then creates four types of environments. A) offensive/defensive (indistinguishable) : (offensive advantage) : world is dangerous, mistrust each other , determines neighbours intentions from actions , security dilemma is strong in this environment. B) offensive/defensive (indistinguishable) : (defensive advantage): sd exists, but defensive is an incentive to invest in primarily defensive capabilities ; security needs to be compatible. C) offensive/defensive: (distinguishable) : offensive advantage: sd will not operate here, but incentive to use offensive action to protect themselves. Status-quo can differentiate themselves from aggressors and there will warning of an agressors intentions. D) offensive/defensive(distinguishable) : defensive advantage : safest environment , sd does not have influence actors can differentiate between types when analyzing their counterparts; invest in greater resources in defensive capabilities that do not threaten their neighbours.
