Anarchy and Order in War

In war, "anarchy" refers to the absence of a central authority governing or controlling states, leading to a self-help system where nations prioritize their own interests. "Order" entails the establishment or maintenance of stability, rules, or agreements that regulate interactions, even amidst disorder. The balance between anarchy and order determines how conflicts unfold: anarchy often sparks violence, while efforts to create order—through alliances, treaties, or international laws—aim to manage and mitigate conflict. Essentially, war occurs in a context of anarchic independence, but attempts at establishing order aim to prevent chaos and establish stability.