Anarchy Security Dilemma Flashcards
Externalities of Power
Anarchy forces states to seek power.
* Augmenting power can help states improve their security.
* Power maximization has side effects.
The Security Dilemma
By increasing your own power for defensive purposes,
you make others feel insecure.
Arms Race
As one country increases their arms, another will feel insecure and also increase their arms.
Offense
destroying another state’s army or taking its
territory.
Defense
protecting one’s own army and territory.
Offense advantage
Easier to destroy other’s army than defend its own
The security dilemma is especially problematic when states BELIEVE that
offense has advantage.
States believe incentives to attack first.
Defence advantage
Easier to protect and hold territory than move forward and take.
No point in striking first—waste of resources.
Advantages of Strategies
Depends on geography and technology
A Defensive Weapon
Armaments “incapable of mobility by means of self-contained power” or movable only after a long delay
Offensive posture and technology not distinguishable and offensive has advantage:
Least Stable
Offensive Posture and technology not distinguishable and defence has advantage:
Security Dilemma, but states prefer defense
Offensive Posture and technology distinguishable and offense has advantage:
No Security Dilemma: Aggression is possible
Offensive posture and technology distinguishable and defence has advantage
Most Stable
