Self-help

Definition

Self-help refers to the principle that states that in an anarchic international system, states must rely on their own resources and capabilities to ensure their security and survival. This idea emphasizes the competitive nature of international relations, where states cannot depend on others for protection and must act independently to achieve their goals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Self-help is a core tenet of both classical realism and neorealism, emphasizing the notion that states act in their own self-interest.
2. In a self-help system, the emphasis on military capabilities often leads states to prioritize defense and power over cooperation.
3. Self-help can result in an arms race as countries build up their military strength to ensure their security against perceived threats from others.
4. This concept underlines the limitations of international organizations, as they lack the authority to compel states to act against their own interests.
5. Self-help has significant implications for global politics, as it encourages competition and can lead to conflict between nations.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of self-help influence state behavior in an anarchic international system?
  • The concept of self-help significantly influences state behavior by compelling states to prioritize their own security and interests in an anarchic international system. Without a higher authority to rely on for protection, states focus on building their military capabilities and forming alliances when necessary. This focus on self-reliance drives competition among states and impacts their diplomatic strategies, often leading to conflicts or arms races as they seek to enhance their security.
• Discuss the implications of self-help for international cooperation and alliances among states.
  • Self-help poses challenges for international cooperation as it fosters a mindset of competition rather than collaboration. States may form alliances out of necessity for mutual defense, but these alliances are often driven by self-interest rather than genuine cooperation. The focus on individual state security can undermine efforts for collective action in addressing global issues like climate change or humanitarian crises, as states prioritize their own interests over collaborative solutions.
• Evaluate the role of self-help in shaping contemporary global conflicts and security dynamics.
  • Self-help plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary global conflicts and security dynamics by fostering an environment where states perceive threats from one another. This perception leads to arms races, increased military spending, and strategic maneuvering, which can escalate tensions. Additionally, self-help contributes to the rise of nationalist policies, where countries prioritize their sovereignty over international agreements, often complicating efforts for multilateral diplomacy and leading to instability in regions experiencing geopolitical rivalries.

Related terms

Anarchy: Anarchy in international relations refers to the absence of a central authority, resulting in a self-help system where states operate independently and prioritize their own interests.

Balance of Power: The balance of power is a strategy that seeks to prevent any one state from becoming too powerful by distributing power among various states, often leading them to form alliances.

Security Dilemma: The security dilemma describes a situation where actions taken by a state to enhance its own security cause insecurity in other states, potentially leading to conflict.