The Tragedy of Great Power Politics: An Analysis of Offensive Realism

This article provides an in-depth analysis of John Mearsheimer's theory of offensive realism. The author explains that the foundation of international relations is anarchy, understood as the absence of a superior authority over sovereign states. This structural feature compels great powers to constantly maximize their power and strive for hegemony, leading to the inevitable tragedy of world politics. The text thoroughly discusses the security dilemma, in which the defensive actions of one state are perceived as a threat by others, and the role of military potential and nuclear weapons. It also compares offensive realism with defensive realism and constructivism, shedding light on the mechanisms governing the global power game, where relative gains and self-help determine survival within the system.