Defensive Realism - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Defensive Realism, a prominent school of thought within International Relations, posits that states primarily seek security, not necessarily power maximization, as their ultimate goal. Often misunderstood as a passive approach to international politics, it suggests that aggressive expansion is often counterproductive, provoking balancing coalitions and ultimately undermining a state's security. This contrasts with offensive realism, which emphasizes the relentless pursuit of power. The roots of defensive realism can be traced conceptually to earlier works on balance of power, but its formal articulation emerged later in the 20th century.
While not explicitly labeled "Defensive Realism," precursors to its core tenets appear in the writings of scholars analyzing the causes of World War I and the interwar period. Some point to elements in the work of Hans Morgenthau, a leading figure in classical realism, particularly his cautions against excessive power projection, as subtly laying groundwork. However, the clearer articulation and formalization of Defensive Realism are more recent. The publication of Stephen Walt's The Origins of Alliances in 1987 and, crucially, Kenneth Waltz's Theory of International Politics in 1979, marked pivotal moments. Waltz, in particular, argued that the structure of the international system, characterized by anarchy, compels states to prioritize survival.
Over time, defensive realism has sparked considerable debate. Its central claim that states are generally security maximizers, not power maximizers, has been challenged by those who argue that some states are inherently more aggressive than others. Further, questions arise about correctly perceiving intentions. How can a state accurately discern another's "defensive" posture from a mask for offensive ambitions? This uncertainty constantly casts a shadow, feeding a security dilemma where actions intended for defense are misinterpreted as aggression, fueling an arms race. Contemporary reinterpretations of defensive realism explore the impact of domestic politics, technology, and evolving norms on state behavior. This focus highlights the inherent difficulty of achieving true security within an anarchic international system. Does the very pursuit of security inevitably sow the seeds of insecurity for all?