Offensive vs. Defensive realism

Offensive and defensive realism are theories in international relations about how countries behave in the global arena. Defensive realism suggests that countries aim to maintain their security and prefer to do so by defensive strategies, like strengthening defenses, because they fear provoking attacks. Offensive realism, on the other hand, argues that countries are constantly trying to maximize their power and influence—sometimes through aggressive actions—to ensure their security and dominance. Essentially, defensive realism emphasizes cautious security measures, while offensive realism focuses on actively expanding power to prevent vulnerabilities.