Essays on Kenneth Waltz

After a short abstract, authors put a short introduction on the topic to be described in the paper. Next, authors described in larger details the workshop that was organized by Cameron Thies – one of the authors of the article – and mentioned about the importance and scientific novelty of application role theory in studying international relations. Following this, authors dwelled on history of the notion of role theory analysis in studying foreign affairs. This is divided into two sections – 1) First wave of role theory analysis and 2) Second wave of role theory analysis. Lastly, the article ends with the ...

Summary

Kenneth Waltz in his article, “Neorealism: Confusions and Criticisms,” explores various issues underlying neo-realism. Specifically, he addressed matters relating to theories. Moreover, he acknowledged that theories are often misunderstood, owing to this fact, confusions emerge. Over the years, people have got confused on what theories are, what they can do and what they can’t do; furthermore, all these confusions would be solved once and for all if people got to understand the structures and context of theories. Kenneth Waltz in a bid to make people understand what theories were went further to define what a theory is. According ...

1. A "Virtue of anarchy" (or a positive effect of the constant threat of the use of force) in the international system according to Kenneth Waltz. (From Anarchic structures and balances of power, mainly Virtues of Anarchy)

Kenneth Waltz argues that countries reside in a state of war. Nation-states are guided solely by self-interests both internal, such as economic and military power, and external, by forming alliances and counter blocks. Some countries may have military potential and can use it anytime they want as a means of self-interest. K. Waltz implies that this violence is due to the anarchy, or chaos ...

Introduction

The paper is a review of the writings of Kenneth waltz and Alexander Wendt. The two differ in the approach of discussing the anarchical realms of the world. They agree on the use of force as a method of survival for the states. Thesis Statement The main argument of the paper is the contention that anarchy is relative a states. The paper takes the social constructivism approach is discussing anarchy in the world. International political arena is equated to a jungle where there are no rules.

Body

The paper delves into the discussion of the three principles of political structures ...

Introduction

Classical realism and neo-realism represents the evolution and proliferation of international politics. Even in contemporary times, the political leaders staunchly represent these theories in their practical application of political ideals. This paper is an extensive study of these two forms of realism. It begins by defining realism; then identifies the major differences among these concepts and exemplifies its significance across the world. Finally, a conclusion is drawn by elaborating on contemporary politics and its use/rebuttal of these concepts.

Defining realism

According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2013), realism has its foundation in theories proposed by Thucydides, Machiavelli and Hobbes. It is ...

Middle Eastern Political Dilemmas?

Is Military Intervention the Solution to Middle Eastern Political Dilemmas? The Middle Eastern region is currently ranked as one of the highly dangerous areas in the globe. Both Israel and Egypt have offered suggestions to the Security Council to denote the Middle East as a nuclear-free zone. Discussions regarding agreements to ban biological and chemical weapons along with questions associated with the preservation of the environment are in the works. But instead of focusing attention in a futile manner on isolated problems, the Great Powers including America must consider the rearrangement of the political setup of the Middle East. However, ...

As realists like Kenneth Waltz, Hans Morgenthau and George Kennan always insisted, the international system is dominated by great powers that act on their interests, For most of modern history, as Gordon A. Craig and Alexander L. George asserted, it has been a multi-polar system rather than one controlled by a single hegemon or superpower. Even the United Nations was created as a realist institution since it can raise no funds, create a peacekeeping force or take any other action in the international arena with the approval of the member states. Far from being a one-world government of a super-state, the five permanent members of ...