Theory of International Politics
Categories: Politics & Social Sciences
Kenneth Waltz's 1979 book lays out neorealism, or structural realism. He argues that state behavior is explained less by leaders and governments than by the structure of the international system: anarchy, with no authority above states, and how power is distributed among them. Borrowing from economics, Waltz contends that states seeking security tend to act alike, compete and balance against power, which limits cooperation. He also holds that a world of two great powers is more stable than one of several. The book reshaped debate in its field.
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- Fareed Zakaria: “Kenneth Waltz wrote books about international relations called Man, the State, and War and Theory of International Relations, which I both read at least three times.”