Theory of International PoliticsMcGraw-Hill, 1979 - 251 pages Kenneth N. Waltz's "Theory of International Politics" (1979) introduces neorealism, a structural approach to international relations. Waltz argues that the international system is anarchic, lacking a central authority, which compels states to prioritize survival and security. This structure leads to patterns such as the balancing of power among states and the formation of alliances. Waltz also contends that bipolar systems, characterized by two dominant powers, are more stable than multipolar systems with multiple great powers. His work has been highly influential, reshaping the study of international relations and remaining a canonical text in political science. |
Contents
Laws and Theories | 1 |
Reductionist Theories | 18 |
Systemic Approaches and Theories | 38 |
Copyright | |
9 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
actions actors affairs alliance American anarchic attributes Austria-Hungary balance of power balance-of-power theory become behavior believe bipolar world Britain capital capitalist causes changes Chapter claim competition concept constraints countries defined definition dependence distinct domestic effects Europe European example expected explain exports external firms force foreign France gain Germany Hobson Hoffmann ical imperialism imperialist important increase infer interdependence interest international politics international system international-political system internationally Kaplan Kissinger lead leaders Lenin less major means military multipolar multipolar world neocolonial nomics nuclear weapons oligopolistic operate organization outcomes parties peace percent policies political scientists possible predict Prime Minister problem produce question realm reductionist relations requires rules Russia SELF-VERIFYING THEORIES social Soviet Union structure students of international superpowers systems approach systems theory systems-level tests theoretical theory of international tion variables vary weak West Germany