Applying Theoretical Lenses to the Security Dilemma

Chapters 3 and 4 provide a summary and comparison of different theoretical perspectives on international relations. Each perspective allows different interpretations of state behavior and expectations for state responses with regard to security. However, in many cases, what a state does to make itself secure often increases its insecurity. This is known as the security dilemma, a concept further discussed in chapter 8. For example, consider the following three state international system:

State A may develop a weapon to make itself more secure. However, this new threat prompts States B and C to develop new weapons as well, thereby making State A less secure. In this exercise, you will review the different theoretical perspectives and the key explanations and implications of each and then think critically about what might be the consequences of the various behaviors prescribed or expected by each theoretical perspective.

• The Concepts. Review the key assumptions about states and the international system for realism, liberalism, and radicalism as provided in chapters 3 and 4.

a. What is the nature of the international system?

b. Who are the key actors?

• The Situation. As the concepts you have just reviewed suggest, each of the theoretical perspectives expects different behaviors, responses, and outcomes for any given security dilemma. Below is a diagram of an international system composed of three sovereign states in an anarchic system. State A is smaller, less powerful, and has fewer resources than both State B and State C. State B is larger, more powerful and has greater resources than both of its neighbors. Within the system, State B developed nuclear weapons.

• First, take a few minutes to consider how each theoretical lens would

expect States A and C to respond, the consequences of those responses, and the resulting nature of the international system. Use the information grid below to organize your responses.

	RESPONSE	CONSEQUENCE OF RESPONSE	RESULTING NATURE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
REALISM
LIBERALISM
RADICALISM

• Then consider how differences in size and power may influence how a state responds. Does one of the theoretical perspectives provide a better explanation for powerful states? Which perspective would you expect to best explain the behavior of states with less power?

• The Consequences

Reflecting on your review of the security dilemma and the three main theoretical lenses, write a few sentences on each of the following questions: (1) How do security dilemmas and responses to security dilemmas shape international relations? (2) How do different aspects of the international system affect the nature and severity of security dilemmas? (3) What kinds of patterns do the theoretical lenses help predict within security dilemmas? (4) Do the theoretical lenses provide suggestions on how security dilemmas might be avoided or managed?