Question

According to the Realist theory,international relations is a self-help system as the strong do what they please and the weak do what they must. Make a case for and against this assumption

Answer 1

The case for this assumption is that states are endlessly selecting options that increase their abilities while undermining those of other countries. This rejects the idea that Realism focuses on the balance of power for all the countries. Moreover, the lack of an authority higher than that of the nations or states contributes to the self-help system. As a result, conflicts and war become an endless threat to the countries; thus, states search for opportunities to take advantage of other states to ensure their own survival. The case against this assumption is that the said theory does not support that any state gets too powerful within the international system. However, in case this occurs, this may trigger war within nations. Evidence shows that no state has become a global power and united all countries under its own direct rule.