According to neo-realists, why do states want power, and how much power is “enough”?
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Content

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………….2

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………...3

I. What is power?...............................................................4

II. Why states seek Power?...................................................6

III. Can states have “enough” power?......................................8

Conclusions……………………………………………………………………………..10

Reference list………………………………………………………………………………………….11

Abstract
Realism is a school of International Relations thought that postulates that states are engaged in a struggle for supremacy …show more content…

Immediately it becomes apparent that this does not offer a measure of quality, for example, an F-16 is far more potent than an aged MiG-21, but in a sheer numbers game they would be considered equal. However, beyond technical military issues, this dynamic is found wanting as it ignores the economic strength of a state. Economic strength is an integral aspect of power in this modern, industrialised age – not only as a means to good living standards, but also as a means to sustain and maintain any military effort if one is to continue the Neo-Realist approach to power. For this reason, it is imperative to expand notions of power beyond the simple military measure, a fact recognized by modern Neo-Realists who allow for economic strength too in calculating a states power in the international system (Fitchner, 2007, p.10). Further factor inputs which one must consider are land size, population size and natural resources (ibid, p.10) – all of which impact the ability of a state to project power and sustain a stance on an issue in pursuit of its core interests. To provide an example that makes the point in the most extreme manner, we might be able to consider that for all its per capita wealth, Norway cannot project power in the manner China can –