the security dilemma produces at the very least what outcome course hero

What is security dilemma in international relations?

Security dilemma. Security dilemma, in political science, a situation in which actions taken by a state to increase its own security cause reactions from other states, which in turn lead to a decrease rather than an increase in the original state’s security. Some scholars of international relations have argued that the security dilemma is...

What is the security dilemma in defensive realism?

The security dilemma is the core assumption of defensive realism. According to Kenneth Waltz, because the world does not have a common government and is " anarchic ", survival is the main motivation of states. States are distrustful of other states' intentions and as a consequence always try to maximize their own security.

What is the security dilemma according to Kenneth Waltz?

According to Kenneth Waltz, because the world does not have a common government and is "anarchic", survival is the main motivation of states. States are distrustful of other states' intentions and as a consequence always try to maximize their own security, which results in the situation of the security dilemma.

What is the spiral model of security dilemma?

The spiral model identifies the next step in reasoning about states' behavior after identifying the intensity of the security dilemma. In particular, under given circumstances of the security dilemma, what steps might a threatened state take to derive advantage by attacking first.

Which theory argues that all societies are divided into which two groups?

Can constructivism grow into solipsism?

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Which theory argues that all societies are divided into which two groups?

Marxism argues that all societies are divided into which two groups?

Can constructivism grow into solipsism?

According to critics, constructivism can grow into solipsism, a theory that teaches nothing outside of one's mind exists.

What is the security dilemma?

Security dilemma, in political science, a situation in which actions taken by a state to increase its own security cause reactions from other states, which in turn lead to a decrease rather than an increase in the original state’s security.

Why is the security dilemma important?

Some scholars of international relationshave argued that the security dilemma is the most important source of conflict between states. They hold that in the international realm, there is no legitimatemonopoly of violence—that is, there is no world government—and, as a consequence, each state must take care of its own security. For this reason, the primary goal of states is to maximize their own security. However, many of the actions taken in pursuit of that goal—such as weapons procurement and the development of new military technologies—will necessarily decrease the security of other states. Decreasing the security of other states does not automatically create a dilemma, but other states will tend to follow suit if one state arms. They cannot know whether the arming state will use its increased military capabilities for an attack in the future. For this reason, they will either choose to increase their own military capabilities in order to reestablish the balance of poweror they will launch a preemptive attackto prevent the arming state from upsetting the balance in the first place. If they choose the first option, the result may be a security spiral, in which two (or more) states are tied in an arms race, with each state responding to increases in weapons procurement and defense expenditure by the other state, leading them both to arm themselves more and more heavily. That situation may lead to warin the long run.

Does reducing the security of other states decrease the security of other states?

However, many of the actions taken in pursuit of that goal—such as weapons procurement and the development of new military technologies—will necessarily decrease the security of other states. Decreasing the security of other states does not automatically create a dilemma, but other states will tend to follow suit if one state arms.

What does Jervis say about the security dilemma?

Jervis claims that the security dilemma can lead to arms races and alliance formation.

Who coined the term "security dilemma"?

The term was first coined by the German scholar John H. Herz in his 1951 book Political Realism and Political Idealism. At the same time British historian Herbert Butterfield described the same situation in his History and Human Relations, but referred to it as the "absolute predicament and irreducible dilemma". The security dilemma is a key concept in international relations theory, in particular among realist scholars to explain how security-seeking states can end up in conflict.

What is the offense defense theory?

The offense–defense theory of Robert Jervis helps decide the intensity of the security dilemma. Jervis uses four scenarios to describe the intensity of the security dilemma: 1 When offensive and defensive behaviour are not distinguishable but offense has an advantage, the security dilemma is "very intense" and environment is "doubly dangerous". Status quo states will behave in an aggressive manner and there will arise the possibility of an arms race. Chances of cooperation between states are low. 2 Where offensive and defensive behavior are not distinguishable but defense has an advantage, the security dilemma is "intense" in explaining states' behaviour but not as intense as in the first case. In such situation, a state might be able to increase its security without being a threat to other states and without endangering the security of other states. 3 Where offensive and defensive behavior are distinguishable but offense has an advantage, the security dilemma is "not intense" but security issues exist. The environment is safe, but offensive behaviour has an advantage that might result in aggression at some future time. 4 Where offensive and defensive behavior are distinguishable and defense has advantage, the security dilemma has little or no intensity, and the environment is "doubly safe". Since there is little danger of offensive action by other states, a state would be able to expend some of its defense budget and other resources on useful development within the state.

What is the core assumption of defensive realism?

Defense realism. The security dilemma is the core assumption of defensive realism. According to Kenneth Waltz, because the world does not have a common government and is " anarchic ", survival is the main motivation of states.

Why do states form alliances?

According to Glenn H. Snyder, under a security dilemma there are two reasons that alliances will form. First, a state that is dissatisfied with the amount of security it has forms alliances in order to bolster its security. Second, a state is in doubt about the reliability of existing allies in coming to its aid, and thus decides to court another ally or allies. According to Thomas Christensen and Jack Snyder, in a multipolar world two types of alliance dilemma exist which are contrary in nature. These alliance dilemmas are known as chain ganging and buck passing.

What is offensive realism?

Offensive realism and defensive realism are variants of structural realism. They share the basic beliefs of survivalism, statism (state as the primary unit), self-help and anarchy. (See international relations theory .) However, contrary to defensive realism, offensive realism regards states as aggressive power maximizers and not as security maximizers. According to John Mearsheimer, "Uncertainty about the intentions of other states is unavoidable, which means that states can never be sure that other states do not have offensive intentions to go along with their offensive capabilities". According to Mearsheimer, though achieving hegemony by any state is not likely in today's international system, there is no such thing as a status quo and "the world is condemned to perpetual great power competition".

What are the two factors that determine whether offensive or defensive action is advantageous?

According to Jervis, the technical capabilities of a state and its geographical position are two essential factors in deciding whether offensive or defensive action is advantageous. He argues that at a strategic level, technical and geographical factors are of greater favor to the defender.

How to stop a state from developing nuclear weapons?

In order to stop a state from developing its nuclear weapons program, the United States might indicate that it will first engage in diplomacy, and if that does not work, it will implement economic sanctions. The United States might also declare that military action remains on the table if these first two approaches do not yield desired outcome. What strategy does this scenario illustrate?

Does the given state build up its nuclear arsenal?

The given state builds up its nuclear arsenal, but the opposing state does not .

Which theory argues that all societies are divided into which two groups?

Marxism argues that all societies are divided into which two groups?

Can constructivism grow into solipsism?

According to critics, constructivism can grow into solipsism, a theory that teaches nothing outside of one's mind exists.

Overview

In international relations, the security dilemma (also referred to as the spiral model) is when the increase in one state's security (such as increasing its military strength) leads other states to fear for their own security (because they do not know if the security-increasing state intends to use its growing military for offensive purposes). Consequently, security-increasing measures can lead to tensions, escalation or conflict with one or more other parties, producing an outcome which no …

Basic components

Defensive realism

Offensive realism

Offense–defense theory

Criticisms and responses

See also