In the book, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, Mearsheimer lays his theory on offensive realism. Offensive realism rests its hypothesis on the fact that international system is anarchical which leads great powers acting aggressively towards each other, trying to gain more power or becoming a hegemon. This theory is in sharp contrast with that of the theory of defensive realism as we see Mearsheimer viewing the international political system from the eye of a one specific lens and only providing an analytical framework to explain the international system of one theory rather than making a comparative analysis of the different theories of international relations which could exist to illustrate the prevailing balance of power scenario which exists in the world today. The beginning of the 21st Century clearly goes against the notion of offensive realism as we see great powers such as USA, EU and Russia co-operating with one another rather than engaging themselves in a conflict.
However I believe that this theory could be applicable to post-colonial nation states as they try to assert their dominance by engaging in proxy wars such as the one we see currently in Afghanistan between India and Pakistan. We no longer live in a world clouded with imperialistic notions of conquering countries and territories and hence I believe that is a strict weakness that is exposed in Mearsheimer’s theory of offensive realism. However we do see examples of countries such as Israel being constantly on the offensive and aiming for a possible ‘pre-emptive’ strike against Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons in order to assert its dominance in the politics of the middle-east.
However I believe that this theory could be applicable to post-colonial nation states as they try to assert their dominance by engaging in proxy wars such as the one we see currently in Afghanistan between India and Pakistan. We no longer live in a world clouded with imperialistic notions of conquering countries and territories and hence I believe that is a strict weakness that is exposed in Mearsheimer’s theory of offensive realism. However we do see examples of countries such as Israel being constantly on the offensive and aiming for a possible ‘pre-emptive’ strike against Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons in order to assert its dominance in the politics of the middle-east.
Mearsheimer would argue that although these great powers are cooperating, there exists the desire for regional hegemony by all states and that they are just bidding their time while building up their military strength. Nonetheless, good job connecting the theory with real world examples.
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