I have recently started studying Kenneth Waltz and his work, specifically Structural Realism. I'm still undecided what to think of it, but I do understand the concept. Basically what i'm asking is what do you people think of it? Do you find it a convincing theory? Why and why not?
Warmed-over Realpolitik, sprinkled lightly with eau d'evolutionary-psychology.
Name:
Anonymous2011-02-04 9:39
The theory is a collection of basic well understood and accepted concepts but that doesn't make it as solid as a physical theory, just like the democratic peace theory there are always exceptions, though in most cases it applies.
It shouldn't be turned into an "ism" and followed with ideological zeal, it should be used as a framework to identify factors which work against it to provide focus for research.