Waltzian Neorealism

Waltzian Neorealism, or structural realism, is a theory in international relations that explains how countries behave based on the international system's structure. It emphasizes that the global environment—characterized by an absence of a central authority—forces states to prioritize their own security. Because power distribution among nations (unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar) determines their actions, states tend to compete, balance, or form alliances to ensure their survival. The theory suggests that these patterns result from the system's structure rather than individual leaders or specific policies.