Session 12: Survival of the fittest in IR

The theory of evolution says that 'only the strong shall survive", and the theory of offensive realism extrapolates this theory on a global scale where individuals are replaced by states and the survivalist is associated with power. John Mearshimer the author of " The tragedy of power politics" argues the about the basis behind the idea of perpetual peace and the impossibility of perpetual which was predicted by many following the end of the cold war.

The author critiques the idea of liberalism and marks as it as a rather wishful perspective on global politics, Power being a zero sum game can never be unilateral issue and different actors(states) are bound to have critical role in the development of any states' policy. Every state is thus obsessively progresses towards building their power and stripping others of theirs if necessary for their survival. Obviously the attributes this trait to the recurring anarchy that exists in the global system followed by uncertainty regarding the rival states actions. These factors are the driving force behind the ambitious armament programs that many states pursue and hence the idea of global peace and mutual cooperation, which looked a possibility following the end of cold war, is beginning to diminish rather quickly.

Recently in an interview with Bill Maher, Netanhayu, the Israeli Prime minister, openly attacked the Irani regime and dubbed them as the insane terrorist that are about to set up nuclear arsenels and supposedly becoming a global threat to all humanity. When questioned about Israel's own nuclear program and their recent war efforts, he replied by saying that their wars were waged for their survivial and dubbed the jewish community as constant victims throughout history. This mentality of world leaders shows no intention of mutual peace in near future and as long as their there is not an organised effort by multiple states by way of UN to curb this nuclear as well other armament proliferation, the future looks bleak. And as old saying goes that "when two elephants fight, only the grass gets scattered" History might repeat itself where only the innocent shall be at the receiving of the conflict/