Theories of War: A Comprehensive Overview

This comprehensive overview examines the complex nature of war through the lens of various international relations theories. It begins by defining war and introducing Kenneth Waltz's "levels of analysis" framework, which attributes conflict to individual, state, or systemic factors. The text then explores Realism, emphasizing power struggles and the anarchic international system, and Liberalism, which highlights cooperation, democracy, and institutions as pathways to peace. Constructivism is also discussed, focusing on how shared ideas, norms, and identities shape international relations and the very understanding of anarchy. Finally, the source addresses alternative perspectives like Marxist theories and the "Clash of Civilizations," the evolving character of contemporary conflicts such as civil wars, terrorism, and hybrid warfare, and the ethical considerations of Just War Theory.

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