Theory of International Politics is a recent book written by the ever famous Kenneth Waltz. He is widely known as the godfather of the modern theory of International Politics. The book elaborates the neorealist theory of International Relations. Being a physiocrat of International Politics, Waltz argued that the fundamental principle which dictates the international political system is "Anarchy".
Waltz differentiates between the anarchic and hierarchic structures. He states that anarchic structures are in a self-help structure while the hierarchic structures have a government, which has a monopoly over the legitimate force. He further claims that each state, on a global level, acts in its own interest which might eventually lead to outcomes that none wanted - similar to the run on the bank in economics. States, at the very least, seek the key to survival and, at the very most, seek the key to universal domination. These two aims can be achieved through the balance of power.
Balance of Power is a theory which explains the results produced by the uncoordinated actions of the states. The theory predicts the similarity of behavior of the states in similar situations. It leads us to deduce that states behave in a way which results in a balance forming situation. This concept is opposite to that of the bandwagon effect, where everyone jumps to winning side, The theory predicts a strong tendency of balance in the system - not that balance, once achieved, will be maintained, but the balance, once disrupted, will be restored in one way or another.
Systemic thinking in economy started with the physiocrats, who conceived of a structure of economics independent of actors and constituting their behavior. Kenneth Waltz, hailed recently as the 'King of Thought' has used a perfect blend of economics and political science to explain and predict the behavior of states today. He has, in all his works, focused on the anarchic nature of the states and has suggested that states will be competitive and will always imitate each other to be more successful.
Waltz differentiates between the anarchic and hierarchic structures. He states that anarchic structures are in a self-help structure while the hierarchic structures have a government, which has a monopoly over the legitimate force. He further claims that each state, on a global level, acts in its own interest which might eventually lead to outcomes that none wanted - similar to the run on the bank in economics. States, at the very least, seek the key to survival and, at the very most, seek the key to universal domination. These two aims can be achieved through the balance of power.
Balance of Power is a theory which explains the results produced by the uncoordinated actions of the states. The theory predicts the similarity of behavior of the states in similar situations. It leads us to deduce that states behave in a way which results in a balance forming situation. This concept is opposite to that of the bandwagon effect, where everyone jumps to winning side, The theory predicts a strong tendency of balance in the system - not that balance, once achieved, will be maintained, but the balance, once disrupted, will be restored in one way or another.
Systemic thinking in economy started with the physiocrats, who conceived of a structure of economics independent of actors and constituting their behavior. Kenneth Waltz, hailed recently as the 'King of Thought' has used a perfect blend of economics and political science to explain and predict the behavior of states today. He has, in all his works, focused on the anarchic nature of the states and has suggested that states will be competitive and will always imitate each other to be more successful.
I think you meant to say the "anarchic nature of the system" not "states." Otherwise, I agree that Waltz's piece contributes in valuable way to our understanding of how the international system works.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I like that you are always trying to come up with catchy titles - keep it up!