Neorealism is a simplified model of international power politics. Sovereign states are the units of the system. The system is characterized by anarchy.[1] That is, the principle of self-help applies to the states: each state acts for itself and there is no institution above the states to enforce agreements. Every state decides independently whether to wage war on another state and states therefore fear each other and try to maximize their own security. The balance of power is formed by the coaction of units. The balance of power is a Nash equilibrium: no state can do better, given what the other states are doing. Moreover, only great powers – states that can put up a fight with the strongest power in the international system – count in the global balance of power.
Great Power Politics
Great Power Politics
Great Power Politics
Neorealism is a simplified model of international power politics. Sovereign states are the units of the system. The system is characterized by anarchy.[1] That is, the principle of self-help applies to the states: each state acts for itself and there is no institution above the states to enforce agreements. Every state decides independently whether to wage war on another state and states therefore fear each other and try to maximize their own security. The balance of power is formed by the coaction of units. The balance of power is a Nash equilibrium: no state can do better, given what the other states are doing. Moreover, only great powers – states that can put up a fight with the strongest power in the international system – count in the global balance of power.