Anarchy in International Relations

In international relations, anarchy refers to the absence of a central government or authority governing all countries, similar to a self-organized system where states operate independently. Unlike domestic societies with a ruling authority, the international system lacks a world government, so countries must rely on their own power and diplomacy to ensure security and stability. This condition creates a competitive environment where cooperation, alliances, and deterrence are crucial, and conflicts can arise since no higher authority enforces rules or resolves disputes universally.