War and International Politics | John Mearsheimer | NDISC Seminar Series

The speaker begins by discussing the transition from a unipolar world dominated by the United States post-Soviet Union collapse to a multipolar world with the rise of China and Russia as great powers. He emphasizes the return of great power politics and the increased relevance of war in international politics due to this shift. The speaker also introduces the three themes of his talk: the essence of international politics, the decision-making process for war, and the dynamics of war escalation.

The speaker argues that war is a central feature of international politics due to its influence on state behavior and the competitive nature of states. He asserts that despite the destructiveness of war, it remains a possibility in the backdrop of international relations. The speaker also explains that the anarchical nature of the international system and the fundamental disagreements between states make the complete elimination of war impossible.

This paragraph delves into the continuous security competition among great powers, even during times of cooperation. The speaker uses the Cold War as an example, highlighting the United States and the Soviet Union's cooperation to prevent nuclear proliferation while still engaging in intense security competition. He also contrasts international politics with international economics, emphasizing the focus on survival in the former and prosperity in the latter.

The speaker discusses the destructiveness of war and how it serves as a deterrent for states to initiate conflicts. He explains that the combination of nationalism, industrialization, and nuclear weapons makes war incredibly destructive, thus making it less likely to occur. However, he also notes that the potential for war remains a significant factor in how states interact.

The speaker challenges the conventional wisdom that Just War Theory and international law can dictate when states can go to war. He argues that these frameworks are inadequate for understanding the realist perspective on war as a tool of statecraft. The speaker also discusses the distinction between preemptive and preventive wars, as well as wars of opportunity, and how these concepts are viewed differently through a realist lens.

In this paragraph, the speaker explores the relationship between morality and realism in international politics. He acknowledges the role of moral considerations but asserts that in conflicts between moral and realist imperatives, the realist perspective will always prevail in the anarchic international system. The speaker also discusses the potential alignment of moral and realist interests in certain scenarios.

The speaker discusses the tendency for wars to escalate once they begin, especially in the modern age. He explains how military considerations can come to dominate political ones, which is problematic for limited wars. The speaker highlights the importance of keeping nuclear wars limited and the challenges this presents, including the influence of military leaders, nationalism, and ideologies that push towards total victory.

In the final paragraph, the speaker concludes that conflict is inherent to politics and that war is an enduring aspect of international politics. He emphasizes that the fear of survival threats and the absence of a global authority make preventive wars and wars of opportunity possible, despite their moral and legal challenges. The speaker reiterates that political considerations will always outweigh economic, legal, and moral ones in times of conflict.