International Security and Weak States

Abstract

Weak states are not the exception; like any other state, they operate within the international system as described by Structural Realism. According to this theory, while the structure of this system is not made up of weak state capabilities, they are certainly impacted by it. However, the system’s fundamental attribute presents different states with differing capabilities and the ability to behave in very different ways. Thus, the primary mover of all international politics is the structure of the international system. Great power security behavior creates the international system. Hence, great power behavior forms my key independent variable.