Kenneth N. Waltz (American political scientist)

Kenneth N. Waltz was an influential American political scientist known for his work in international relations. He developed the theory of neorealism, which explains that a country's behavior in global politics is primarily shaped by the structure of the international system—especially the fact that the system is anarchic, meaning no central authority exists. This leads countries to prioritize security and balance of power to survive. Waltz's ideas help explain why countries act defensively and how the distribution of power among nations affects global stability, emphasizing that systemic factors often drive state behavior more than individual leaders or specific policies.