Session 10: Anarchy: Myth or Fact?

   Helen Milner presents a very intriguing approach towards the concept of anarchy in this piece. Anarchy has always been considered an important concept in the study of international relations, and it has been used (like the economic models of perfect completion and Monopoly, that lie on extreme ends of a spectrum) to construct real world models that can be used towards studying international relations. Although Milner presents rather different definitions of anarchy, for the purposes of simplification let’s define anarchy as a constant struggle for balance and power among independent actors. This furthers our assumption of the international political arena as guided by the motive to increase one’s influence, and achieve what the state deems to be its self-interests.

   Anarchy is assumed to be a constant existence among the political arena, where states are in a constant struggle for power. However the presence of Anarchy is somewhat theoretical, and it cannot be seen in action unless of course generalized to a great extent. Perhaps the most concrete empirical evidence that disproves this existence the formation of alliances amongst states that would much rather be a t war owing to their ideological differences, (Hint; Saudi Arabia and USA). For there to be a state of anarchy, states must have a somewhat equal standing to pursue their interests through war, however that is not completely applicable in the real world where more powerful states like the USA and Russia dominate the international political scene owing to their powerful military and economic standings. These states, although not completely, but to a certain extent do aid towards the maintenance of peace in the international political scene. One can also argue towards the existence of legislative bodies like the UN that may help towards the maintenance of order, but they are mainly guided by the more powerful incentives of countries that hold Veto power in the assembly.

  

   Therefore to say that Anarchy is a constant presence in the political arena, would not be completely right, but it does help towards the understanding of international political relations.