05-IRT-Chap04.qxd 31/07/06 03:03 PM Page 71 4 Structural ...

4 Chapter contents Introduction Why do states want power? How much power is enough? What causes great power war? ConclusionReader s guideThis chapter examines a body of realist theories that argue states care deeply aboutthe balance of power and compete among themselves either to gain power at theexpense of others or at least to make sure they do not lose power. They do so becausethe structure of the international system leaves them little choice if they want tosurvive. This competition for power makes for a dangerous world where states some-times fight each other. There are, however, important differences among structuralrealists. In particular, defensive realists argue that Structural factors limit how muchpower states can gain, which works to ameliorate security competition.

72 JOHN J. MEARSHEIMER Introduction Realists believe that power is the currency of international politics.Great powers,the main actors in the realists’ account, pay careful attention to how much economic and military

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