Realism

Anarchy refers to the structure of the international system

• When IR scholars refer to “anarchy,” they do not mean chaos or disorder
• States have no higher authority to appeal to during crisis. No government over governments

911 Scenario

Anarchy creates incentive for distrust and self-help

• “God helps states that help themselves.” - John Mearsheimer

All states possess some military capability

Thus, by virtue of existing, a state in the international system poses a threat to other states via its military.

Because of this, fear is a characteristic of life in the international system. States do and should fear the capabilities of other states, according to realists.

• To do otherwise is naive.
• Today’s allies are tomorrow’s enemies, and vice-versa.

A state can never be sure that another state will not use its military offensively.

• Specifically highlights the uncertain nature of alliances
• Consider Sparta in the Melian Dialogue: Why did they not help their ally, the Melians?

Does not necessarily mean all states are aggressive - the point is, it’s impossible to know.

Essentially, assumption 2 is all states have aggressive capacity, and assumption 3 pertains to the unknowability of aggressive intention.

Result: States should prepare for the worst.

The emphasis here is that - before ANYTHING else - states are concerned about survival.

• Implications: Tertiary motives like ideology, alliances, trade, international commitments, etc. are only important after a state’s survival is secured. Survival is always first.
• Consider Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, applied to states.

Joseph Stalin: “We can and must build socialism. But in order to do so we first of all ahve to exist.”

Emphasis here is that states are aware of both the implications of their own actions and (more to the point) the implications of other states’ actions and preferences.

Example: If a state builds up its military, other states may grow nervous due to the implications for their own security.