Waltz's Theory: How Anarchy Shapes International Relations (Essay)

This essay analyzes Kenneth Waltz's assertion that anarchy significantly influences the course of international relations. It begins by defining anarchy and its implications in the absence of a central governing authority, contrasting it with the hierarchical structures of domestic politics. The essay then explores Waltz's neorealist perspective, emphasizing the role of the balance of power and states' pursuit of power in an anarchic system. It examines how states navigate this environment, the impact of domestic politics on foreign policy, and the importance of grand strategies. The essay references secondary sources to support the arguments, discussing the challenges anarchy poses to maintaining international relations and the various approaches states employ to manage these complexities. Ultimately, the essay argues that while anarchy may not directly determine the course of international relations, it significantly shapes the environment in which states operate, influencing their strategies and interactions.

WALTZ THAT
“ANARCHY” HAS THE
POWER TO DETERMINE
THE COURSE OF
INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................2
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................2
Justify statement stated by Waltz that “Anarchy” has power to identify course of international
relations.......................................................................................................................................2
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
International relation is defined as a field of study which is focused over the
understanding and maintenance of the unique relation which exist between the different nations
and cultures. For the companies to be successful the most essential thing is to manage and
maintain good relation with other people. The current study will outline the different views
relating to the fact that Anarchy has the power to determine the international relation. This will
involve the analysis of different types of the secondary sources and how this related with the
anarchy and international relation.
MAIN BODY
Justify statement stated by Waltz that “Anarchy” has power to identify course of international
relations
Anarchy can define as state of community being freely constituted without governing
framework or top authorities. It has power to accept international relations as beginning point
global relationship theory. It may not have power to solve conflicts, enforce regulations and
laws, as it struggles for holding valuable and important powers that other state of society has. It
has authority to build bond and secure competitive environment (John Mearsheimer, 2014). The
actual meaning of anarchy is nothing to do with challenges and barriers can face while maintain
global relations.
According to the assumption of authors, states like Anarchy may never be progress like
other states. It has power to strive to obtain authority over other states and hopefully become
hegemons. It looks for chance to change balance of power by obtaining additional increases of
power at degree of potential competitors. Anarchy can determine development of international
relations but could not be able to maintain it as they cannot handle conflict arise during this
procedure. It survives for great power and attempts increase relative power to distribute material
abilities. Anarchy as state of society try to gain as wide an authority benefits as possible over
rivals.
Kenneth Waltz is the key founder of Neorealism as new approach to realist concept
(Freire, 2019). He stated that Anarchy is associated with destruction, death and mental images of
confusion, it does not have judicial system and national police force which make this state unable
to balance international relationship with other states in effective manner. Due to power

absenteeism people in state face several issues, some of them were die during civil wars, internal
affairs and revolutions. Because of government body absenteeism, organizations within states
also suffers as it need an appropriate legal structure and approaches that control their ventures
activities in positive manner. In different term, anarchy could define as presence of chaos
(Kenneth Waltz, ‘Anarchic orders and balances of power’, 1979). The hierarchy of power do not
see in anarchy which could affect its growth, development and overall environment. It attempts
to gain power and work hard to balance it successfully for longer period of time, it defines as
main objective of state. Balance of power theory relate to case of Anarchy where state is
struggling for gaining all thee power that it could use to build and maintain international
relationship, which is actually very essential to grow in today’s developing world.
There are many nations or states in the world how does not have power to build
international relation and contribute in development economic, which is important in order to
resolve conflict and boots performance of business sector (Turaev, 2020). Anarchy can adopt
right and most suitable grand tactics and build a culture where everyone ready to take part in
further development of entire state. It had to make beneficial and useful changes that allow to
build up domestic political military culture. Many nations such as US take decision to engage in
military interventions overseas, it can define as grand tactic that permit nation to obtain several
benefits such as world power. States follow the theories of interventions according to them there
are major factors accessible that contribute in gaining world power. Some interventions are
global distribution of power, electoral incentives etc. It can be said that at high degree domestic
politics matters a lot and play vital role in shaping military intervention of United State.
Neorealism is the theory of global relations which stated that power of any nation or state
is the most significant element in global relation. Instead of domestic political factors like
privileged interest group on abroad security policy, public suggestion etc. states of society like
Anarchy needs to concentrate on relative competences and international framework of great
power. Before taking action to gain power that is useful in state and economic developments, it
needs to address few queries such as role of domestic actors in identifying policy, which one of
them matter in development of foreign security policy and what global environment could they
have greatest affect. Before world war second US does not adopt a grand strategy that leads to
bring several challenges and negative outcomes. Through role played by domestic actors in

international threats the state of power has define. Balance of power theory and threat concept
state balance of power by Britain during world war I against rising threat or authority.
It can determine through different articles stated by authors that Anarchy could not be
able to determine the power of international relation as it needs appropriate and effective ideas
that supports in development of international politics and then relation which is essential as well
as helpful. Neoclassical realist approach according to authors is quite beneficial and important as
it contribute determining impact of ideas that Anarchy and other state who are seeking to gain
great power develop. Grand strategy is the key component that enlighten intervention of ideas in
gaining power. Before developing tactic states needs to clearly understand what insights of
methods must be applied to which make things easy for them. They should utilize principles
relate to development of international relation as it gives right actions in anarchic and uncertain
world of global system, postures for their countries in certain violent competition with other and
developing identities. Chosen tactics needs to be governed entire course of actions to which
specific operation is direct.
There are varied approaches accessible in the world that Anarchy as state of society could
use to made foreign policy that help to define course of international relation. Neoclassical
realism is one of the best methods that states can use to develop foreign policy. It seeks to
comprehend global politics by taking into consideration nature of international system and
political environment within which one state interact with other. Many theories define the ways
through which states can develop foreign policy that is essential to develop international relation.
International relations concept debates over concepts of global politics it explains pattern of
results of states relations and behaviour of single state. The above theory or approach to foreign
policy argue that ambition & scope of nation’s policy is move first by regions relative material
authority. States who seeks to get great power could affect their power competences on foreign
policy making procedure in indirect manner as it is quite complex process.
International relations can describe as attempts to define interactions of states in global
interstate system and hard work to justify relation of others whose nature originates within one
nations and is targeted towards partners of other nations. While realism could refer as practice of
accepting a circumstances. Both terms cater critical however sympathetic analysis of political
realis in global theory. There are six types of paradigmatic theories are available that states use
as approach to develop foreign policy that help developing international relation between two or

more states in ethical and effective manner. By adopting realism and conducting practices
accordingly states like Anarchy, could study more about who to develop above relation and
conduct practice relate to it. This approach emphasizes role of country or state and makes a
wider assumption that each region is encouraged by countrywide interest as moral anxieties or at
the best. Realism as excellent approach contributes in further process.
Anarchy could not have power to identify development of international relation but they
can do so by using varied approaches like above one and theories which boost attempts and
efforts of states. Each state in the world struggle for power which is really very important for
them in term of maintaining international relation. Power could not only benefits in above
context it also allows states to spread peace in nations that is the key force of growth. Foreign
policy as well as international relation or action being political in behaviour is globally governed
by recognition of power, without considering this factor the international relation could not
developed by anarchy or other states as well. According to authors catalogued is the important
component of national power, everything need to arrange in systematic and effective manner that
allow states to overcome struggle for power gaining.
All the authors have different point of view about international system and relation, few
of them stated that Anarchy could gain power of international relations by not only using realism
approach but also following the principles of political realism. The conflict of international
system could overcome by using relevant approaches such as feminist analysis or reformulation
as it helps to create international relation and maintain successfully for longer period of time. It
can be said that global politics is a man’s power or world of authority in which rivalry is main
activity. By reforming feminist states can handle warfare and obtain positive outcomes. By
involving women’s, a state or nation can achieve set objectives and goals as well. In many
nations like US, women are taking part in military services and foreign in wider number more
than last few months or years that bring benefits in different manners.
Realism and Neo-Realism, in Burchill (ed.)
This is a secondary source which relates with the theories of the international relations
which involves the use of the different types of theories relating to international relation. When
the business operates in the global environment then they have to manage and maintain the
relation with other countries as well. This current secondary source included the different types
of the theories which are assistive in international relation management. As per the views of

Burchill and et.al., (2013) this included different theories like Marxism, Critical theory,
Postmodernism and many other different theories which will assist the business in managing
good and effective international relation with other countries and companies. This study
highlighted that the international relation is important as this creates a better and effective
position of the company within the international market. This is very important as if the relation
among the companies will not be good then this will have a great impact over the working of the
company. on the other side Lobell and et.al. eds., (2009) this work highlighted the fact that
anarchy is not much necessary within the international relations. This is particularly because of
the reason that when the power will not be there then the relation will be maintained in more
effective manner. These theories involve the use and application of the laws and regulations
which the company has to follow in order to manage and maintain good relation with the other
companies and country.
‘The emerging structure of international politics’
This is another major type of secondary sources which relates to the emerging structure of the
international politics. This work states that the international politics is a major factor which
affects the relation of the companies in the international market. The major reason for this is that
the politics of the country has a great impact over the relation of the different countries which
they have over the working. With reference to Waltz (1993) the major reason for this is that
when the company is operating then they have to follow the guidelines provided by the
government of that country. Hence, this the international politics will not be much stable then
this will have a great impact over the working of the business. in addition to this if the business
will not operate in stable manner then they will not be able to manage good international
relation. This study also highlighted that before the world war 2 US and Soviet Union had
unilateral action under name of international duty. This suggested that the countries had to
manage the relation among other countries.
‘Anarchy and the limits of cooperation: a realist critique of the newest liberal
institutionalism’
This is another work relating to anarchy and the limits of cooperation which is a realist critique
of the newest liberal institutionalism. In accordance with Burchill and et.al., (2013) the realism
has dominated the international relation to a great extent. As per this study the concept of
international anarchy is the concept wherein there is lack of power of the hierarchical superior to

manage the business in the international market. The realism in this concept states that the
working of the international market need to be much liberal so that all the countries dealing in
the international market are better and effective. On the other side Grieco (1988) further this
study also highlighted the fact that the when the working in the international market will not be
liberal and realism then this will affect the power or the anarchy within the international relation.
For the working to be better in the international market there need to be proper distribution of the
power so that the companies can effectively manage the international relation.
‘What’s the matter with realism?’, Review of International Studies
This is yet another major secondary sources which outlines the concept of the realism in the
international studies and international relation. From this source it was evaluated that the
international relation is a concept which states that there need to good international relation and
is a strength for any of the company. with the help of the above analysis of the source it was seen
that for anarchy the management of the realism is the most essential thing. This will effectively
assist the company in managing the international relation in effective and efficient manner
(Rosenberg, 1990). Furthermore, this also listed the fact that the use of anarchy in the business
and the international relation is very important. This is pertaining to the fact that how the people
will manage the international relation in the highly competitive working environment. the major
reason for this is that if the companies will have proper understating of the realism as this is
relating to the beliefs which the world politics has always a great impact over the working of the
company. hence, this work highlights the fact that when the companies will have a proper
knowledge relating to the politics which is being present in the international market. This is
particularly essential to understand as this will provide an idea to the company that how they
have to manage the working in the international market.
Neoclassical Realism, the State, and Foreign Policy
This is another major work or the secondary sources which majorly stated the neoclassical
realism and the state of the foreign policy. This work highlighted that there is disagreement
relating to the nature of the foreign threats. Along with this the present work also list out the
different condition which might affect the work or the policies relating to the foreign market and
the working of the market. As per the views of Lobell and et.al. eds., (2009) under this work it
was analysed that the anarchy is the most essential thing for determining the course of
international relation as this will provide a power to the people to manage all the work of the

company within the international market. This work also included the different factors which
affects the working of the companies in the international market. The major reason for this is that
there are different types of the policies and rules and these are applicable in different countries in
different manner. Hence, it is essential for the companies to have a list of the different types of
factors which will impact the management and maintenance of the international relation. Further
this article also stated that the US emerged as a victorious country from the major war.
‘Neoclassical Realism: The Psychology of Great Power Intervention’
This is another major work which is being conducted in order to state that whether anarchy is
required in management of international relation or not. This work majorly focused on the
analysis of the different theories relating to the international relations. The major reason
underlying this fact is that in the international market the competition is very high and because of
this it is important for the company to manage and maintain good relation among the different
companies dealing in the international market. The major reason for this is the it is essential for
the company to deal with the competition in effective manner and this can only be possible if
they are able to manage the international relation with the help of the different types of
international relation theories. This work included the fact that there are different types of
theories and approaches like liberal, realism, game theory, postmodern and critical theory and
many other different types of the theories which are assistive to the company. with help of this it
was clearly ascertained that anarchy is the most necessary aspect in the management of
international relation. This is particularly because of the reason that when the companies in
international market are not having much hierarchical power then this will affect the working of
the company to a great extent.
CONCLUSION
In the end from the above study and analysis it can be concluded that the use of anarchy
within the international relation is very important. The anarchy is a word which majorly signifies
the chaos or the disorder and conflict within the international system. Further the current report
highlighted the views of various authors who have done research in this field. On an average the
majority of the work stated that the anarchy is the area where the world lacks the superior
authority of the sovereign and there is no superior and coercive power to solve the disputes and
enforce law to manage the working.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Arnold, M., 2018. Culture & anarchy. e-artnow.
Burchill, S., and et.al., 2013. Theories of international relations. Macmillan International Higher
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Colin Dueck, ‘Neoclassical realism and the national interest: presidents, domestic politics, and
major military interventions’, in Steven E. Lobell, Norrin M. Ripsman, & Jeffrey W.
Taliaferro (eds.), Neoclassical Realism, The State, and Foreign Policy, Cambridge
University Press, 2009.
Colin Dueck, ‘Realism, Culture and Grand Strategy: Explaining America’s Peculiar Path to
World Power, Security Studies, 14:2 (195-231)
Freire, L.G., 2019. Is Neorealism a Deterministic Theory of International Relations?.
International Studies. 56(1). pp.58-67.
Gideon Rose, ‘Neoclassical Realism and Theories of Foreign Policy’, World Politics, 51: 1
(October 1998), pp. 144-72.
Grieco, J.M., 1988. Anarchy and the limits of cooperation: a realist critique of the newest liberal
institutionalism. International organization, pp.485-507.
Hans Morgenthau, Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace, (any edition).
J. Ann Tickner, ‘Hans Morgenthau’s Principles of Political Realism: A feminist reformulation’,
Millennium, 17(3), 1988, pp. 429-40; (Linklater (ed.), 2000, vol. IV).
J. Donnelly, Realism and International Relations, Cambridge, 2000
John Mearsheimer, ‘Anarchy and the Struggle for Power’, chapter 2 of The Tragedy of Great
Power Politics’, 2014.
Kenneth Waltz, ‘Anarchic orders and balances of power’, chapter 6 of Theory of International
Politics, Addison-Wesley. 1979. pp. 102-128.
Lobell, S.E., and et.al. eds., 2009. Neoclassical realism, the state, and foreign policy. Cambridge
University Press.
McConaughey, M., Musgrave, P. and Nexon, D.H., 2018. Beyond anarchy: Logics of political
organization, hierarchy, and international structure. International Theory. 10(2). pp.181-
218.
Nicholas Kitchen, ‘Systemic Pressures and domestic ideas: a neoclassical realist model of grand
strategy formation, Review of International Studies, 2010 36: 117-43; Christopher Layne,
The Peace of Illusions: American Grand Strategy from 1940s to the Present, 2006.
Rosenberg, J., 1990. What's the Matter with Realism?. Review of International Studies, 16(4),
pp.285-303.
Taliaferro, J.W., 2006. Neoclassical realism: the psychology of great power intervention. Making
Sense of International Relations Theory, pp.38-53.

Turaev, A., 2020. NEOCONSERVATIVE HEGEMONY AND ENERGY SECURITY
PARADIGM. Архив Научных Публикаций JSPI.
Waltz, K.N., 1993. The emerging structure of international politics. International security, 18(2),
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