Self-help

Definition

Self-help refers to the principle that in an anarchic international system, states must rely on their own capabilities to secure their survival and interests. This concept highlights the competitive nature of international relations, where states cannot depend on others for security, pushing them to prioritize their own power and defense mechanisms. It connects closely with the ideas of power dynamics and the inherent uncertainties within global interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Self-help is a core tenet of realism, emphasizing that states operate in a world where they must act independently to ensure their survival.
2. In a self-help system, military capabilities and alliances become critical for states as they seek to enhance their security and deter potential threats.
3. The concept reflects a pessimistic view of human nature and international relations, suggesting that conflict is an inevitable outcome due to competitive interests.
4. Self-help can lead to arms races, where states continuously build up their military capabilities in response to perceived threats from others.
5. Despite globalization and interdependence, the self-help principle remains relevant, as states prioritize national interests over collective security arrangements.

Review Questions

• How does the principle of self-help influence state behavior in an anarchic international system?
  • The principle of self-help fundamentally influences state behavior by compelling them to prioritize their own security and interests above all else. In an anarchic international system where no central authority exists, states are wary of relying on others for protection. This leads them to enhance their military capabilities, form alliances based on mutual interest, and engage in strategic calculations aimed at ensuring their survival amidst uncertainties.
• Discuss how the concept of self-help relates to the Security Dilemma and its implications for international stability.
  • Self-help is closely linked to the Security Dilemma, as states' attempts to bolster their own security can inadvertently create insecurity for others. When one state increases its military power or defensive measures under self-help logic, neighboring states may interpret these actions as threats and respond similarly. This cycle can lead to escalating tensions and arms races, thereby undermining international stability and fostering an environment ripe for conflict.
• Evaluate the relevance of self-help in today’s globalized world where interdependence is often highlighted.
  • Even in today's globalized world where interdependence is emphasized, the concept of self-help remains highly relevant. States continue to navigate a complex web of relationships while also recognizing that they cannot fully depend on others for security. The persistence of regional conflicts, power struggles among great powers, and the emergence of new security challenges illustrate that despite cooperative frameworks, the self-help principle often drives state actions, revealing the enduring nature of realism in international relations.

Related terms

Anarchy: Anarchy is the foundational concept in international relations suggesting that there is no overarching authority governing states, leading to a self-help system.

Balance of Power: Balance of Power is a strategy in which states align with others to prevent any one state from becoming too powerful, often influenced by self-help motivations.

Security Dilemma: The Security Dilemma occurs when actions taken by a state to increase its security cause insecurity in other states, leading to a cycle of self-help behavior.