POL300H1 Study Guide - Zero-Sum Game, Neoliberalism, The Prince
Document Summary
According to realism, states work only to increase their own power relative to that of other states. The world is a harsh and dangerous place. The only certainty in the world is power. A powerful state will always be able to outdo and outlast weaker competitors. The most important and reliable form of power is military power. Therefore, the state must seek power and must always protect itself. There is no overarching power that can enforce global rules or punish bad behavior. (argument against liberalism)moral behaviour is very risky because it can undermine a state"s ability to protect itself. The international system itself drives states to use military force and to war. Leaders may be moral, but they must not let moral concerns guide foreign policy. International organizations and law have no power or force; they exist only as long as states accept them.
