War and International Politics | John Mearsheimer | NDISC Seminar Series
NDISC・2 minutes read
War is an inherent aspect of international politics in a multipolar world, where great powers engage in security competition, highlighting the absence of a higher authority to prevent conflicts. Despite efforts to outlaw war, its ever-present possibility arises from fundamental disagreements among states, necessitating compromises to navigate through disputes.
Insights
- The shift from a unipolar world dominated by the US to a multipolar world with the US, China, and Russia as great powers has led to a resurgence of security competition and the possibility of war among these major players.
- Despite efforts to outlaw war, the absence of a higher authority in the international system, coupled with the anarchic nature of politics, makes war an ever-present option due to the fundamental disagreements that can escalate into conflicts, highlighting the inherent challenge of managing violence and national interests in international politics.
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Recent questions
What are the main themes in international politics?
The speaker discusses the essence of international politics, the decision to go to war, and the escalation of war as the main themes.
How do great powers interact in the current world?
Great powers like the US, China, and Russia engage in security competition and war in the multipolar world.
Can cooperation exist between states despite security competition?
Cooperation between states is possible even amidst security competition, as seen in historical examples like US-Soviet cooperation during the Cold War.
What factors contribute to the ever-present possibility of war?
The absence of a higher authority in the international system and the anarchic structure of politics contribute to the ever-present possibility of war.
How do military considerations impact political decisions in limited wars?
In limited wars, military considerations tend to dominate over political control, posing challenges in keeping conflicts restrained.
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