Waltz's Three Images

Waltz's Three Images are a framework for understanding international relations. The first image focuses on individuals, suggesting that human nature and decisions drive conflict. The second image looks at states, emphasizing the role of political systems and domestic factors in shaping behavior. The third image examines the international system as a whole, highlighting how global structures and the distribution of power between states influence interactions. Together, these images provide a comprehensive view of why countries behave as they do, considering individual agency, state dynamics, and the overarching international context.