- Article Written By Premton Asllani
Kenneth N. Waltz’s article describes systematically how peace can be achieved, and which methods and causes made mankind achieve peace. To understand how it was achieved, we need to understand the causes of war. In the first image, Waltz analyzes the past thoughts until modern times, saying that war is born from the nature and behavior of humans, attributing conflicts to selfishness, aggression, and stupidity, as well as other external causes that have an influence on human nature.
In this text, Confucius is mentioned, with his belief that war was created by humans’ deceit and cunning. Aristophanes and William James held the same opinion despite living in vastly different times: humans like war more than anything else. The text presents a spectrum of views, starting from optimists who believed progress could end wars, to pessimists who anticipate ongoing conflict. The second image described the concept that war can be understood through the internal organization of states, emphasizing the role of state structures in shaping international behavior. Waltz said that to understand war and peace, political analysis must be used to complement and order the findings of psychology and sociology.
Different authors and politicians believed that the pursuit of external enemies created internal unity; others believed that because of geographical politics, states attack each other; and others believed in the need for a comprehensive political analysis that considers both internal state dynamics and the international environment to grasp the complexities of war and peace. In the third image, Waltz pretended that conflicts between sovereign states are inevitable due to the absence of enforceable laws and the reliance on self-interest in international relations.
The text described the systematic nature of international anarchy, inciting an inclusive meaning beyond human or state behaviors. While it is proposed by the federal government as a “solution”, there are many critical questions regarding its feasibility. Regardless of potential weaknesses in the solution, theoretical legacy from Rousseau gives it merit, inciting the need to treat systematically conflict in international relations from its roots rather than relying solely on individual or state-level explanations.
Author: Premton Asllani
The text highlights the limitations of the third image, emphasizing its utopian nature and the impracticality of a world government. Moreover, many critics warn of its simplification of complex issues, which offers a warning perspective on the pursuit of single-cause solutions. They point out the triviality of stating that perfect states or individuals would avoid conflict, and underline the interrelatedness of causes in international relations.
The text advocates for a more nuanced approach, accepting the interconnected influence of individuals, states, and the international system, ultimately cautioning against overreliance on singular perspectives in favor of comprehensive problem-solving.
In the end, Waltz examines relationship between the first and second images – focusing on individual and state behavior against third image – which emphasizes structural constraints in the international system. It critiques simplistic solutions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of state actions. His analysis advocates for a nuanced understanding to address global challenges effectively.
* Author: Premton Asllani
* Author Bio:
* Bachelor in Political Science, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina"
* MA Candidate in Security & Diplomacy, Tel-Aviv University
* Vice Chairman, Student Organization "Reforma ne Proces"
* Chairman, Student Council, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Prishtina
* Passionate about political science, security, and diplomacy. Committed to fostering positive change in academic communities. #Leadership #Security #Diplomacy #Education
