Chapter 3: Thinking About Theory Flashcards
1
Q
International realm is anarchic
Which means
A
No central authority
No rules and/or no way to enforce rules
2
Q
Offensive realist
A
Cannot be certain of another’s intentions
Always improve own relative power position
Conquest pays: expansionist policy builds relative power and intimidates rivals into cooperation.
3
Q
Defensive realists
A
Defensive postures (military, diplomatic, economic) do not directly threaten other states.
Conquest does not pay: states tend to balance each other against aggressors; few wars benefit those that start them.
