Introduction
The prime principle of globalization is featured by the interconnected holistic phenomenon. Due to globalization, the world has become a village on the periphery of politics, economical endeavors, and cultural interaction.
This analytical treatise attempts to explicitly review the three fundamental characteristics of the international system as discussed by Waltz. Besides, the treatise explores how Waltz uses these characteristics to determine the nature of international politics.
Waltz’s three fundamental characteristics of the international system
Waltz offers an explicit analysis of the international system in political relations among states across the globe. Waltz notes that there is non existence of a global center of authority, rather, nations exist as “self regarding units” (Jervis and Robert 91). The first characteristic of the international system is anarchy. This is motivated by the motivation since “states seeks to ensure their survival” (Jervis and Robert 93).
The second characteristic of the international system is the existence of different units. Reflectively, Waltz opines that as “long as anarchy endures, states remain like units” (Jervis and Robert 93). In reality, the independent states can be described as autonomous units of political power influence with more or less the same challenges.
Waltz concludes that these units generate the rules of operation since their influence cannot be undermined. The third characteristic of the international system is the unique structure of change systems within each independent unit of influence. The differences in the change system structures “since the distribution of capabilities across the units” (Jervis and Robert 98) may not be easy to classify.
How Waltz uses these characteristics to determine the nature of international politics
Imperialism reinforced an artificial line between the colonialist and the colonized as exploitation of native resources progressed. Specifically, the interaction between these parties is characterized by disparity, exploitation, and discrimination as the inferior party was made to surrender their factors of production. Thus, “it is not possible to understand world politics simply by looking inside of the states” (Jervis and Robert 65).
To ensure survival amidst competition, nations with same interests have formed clusters such as the African Union and the European Union to protect these interests from other independent units. The units in these clusters such as Greece feels safe “in terms of the placement of units rather than in terms of their qualities” (Jervis and Robert 99) following the global financial crisis of 2009.
The presence of anarchy has made power concentration in a single author almost impossible. Despite the conscious peace between the United States and China, there is constant tension and suspicion in the political activities of these nations. In fact, “in a self-help system, considerations of security subordinate economic gain to political interest” (Jervis and Robert 107) as is the case in this relationship.
The coalitions with either of the two giant blocks are influenced by the perceived power gains. Interestingly, since “power is a means not an end, states may prefer to join the weaker of two coalitions” (Jervis and Robert 126). This explains the recent emergence of China as a force in the global political power arena.
The unique structure of change systems in the international system explains business alignment and partnerships among the autonomous state units. Personal gain supersedes the global interest. Specifically, “through trade and/or cooperation, the political relationship within a state will limit its cooperation with other states (Jervis and Robert 106).
Works Cited
Jervis, Robert, and A. Robert. International politics: Enduring concepts and contemporary issues, Boston: Longman, 2011. Print.