Scenario Planning – with Jamais Cascio

In 'Theory of International Politics', Kenneth Waltz develops a structural realist theory, known as neorealism, to explain international relations. Waltz argues that the international system is characterized by anarchy, where states are functionally undifferentiated and lack a central authority. This anarchy leads states to prioritize their security above other goals, resulting in security competition and the formation of balances of power. The book critiques reductionist approaches and emphasizes the importance of system-level processes in understanding state behavior. It has been highly influential in the field of international relations, causing a significant discursive transformation and is widely regarded as a classic text.

Kenneth Waltz's seminal work examines the root causes of war by analyzing three 'images': individual human nature (first image), the internal structure of states (second image), and the anarchic international system (third image). The book argues that while all three levels contribute to conflict, the third image—the absence of a central authority in global politics—serves as the fundamental condition enabling wars. Waltz critiques classical and modern thinkers while establishing a framework for understanding interstate conflict that remains influential in realist international relations theory.