POLS 1160 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Security Dilemma, Kenneth Waltz
6 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
Neo realism is a revision of the classical realist theory with a more scientiic basis. All actors in a system are compelled to behave in similar ways. The international system: the international system is anarchic. Meaning that there is no power over the power of individual states, no global government to which all states must answer: there is a distribution of power in the international system that is not necessarily even. Some states have more power than others. Power is the ability of one actor to convince another actor to act in its beneit. If a state"s national security is compromised, that state runs the risk of becoming a failed state. Security dilemma: ex: if you were to buy a gun to protect your own home, your neighbors would get nervous about your intentions regarding the gun, as they cannot know what your ultimate goal is.
