Offensive Realism

Abstract

AbstractOffensive realism is the subject of Chapter 17. This theory envisions great powers as disposed toward expansion. Under conditions of anarchy, intentions do not matter because the existence of capabilities, in and of itself, creates a threatening situation between and among states. Thus a rational response for a great power to this predicament is to go on the offensive. The more power that can be accumulated, all other things being equal, the higher the level of security that results. Security, however, proves elusive because all of the great powers are thinking the same way. The result is that great power war can be expected to recur within the international system. This feature accounts for the title of the book that puts forward the theory, namely, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics.