03/09/2023
*How does realism explain Cold War – theory application*
*Anarchy* (absence of the universal sovereign, hence no security guarantor), pushes the states to acquire power for their survival.
*Security Dilemma* (acute sense of insecurity), arises when a state increases its power (though for defensive purposes) in a competitive environment under anarchy. For instance, US nukes and its alliance with Europe (later on NAATO formation) created a security dilemma for the Soviet Union, and it also took the path of nuclearization and the Warsaw Pact.
*Power and Security-seeking* (Arms race, Alliances, nuclear deterrence) behavior of states is aimed at overcoming the security dilemma and ensuring security and survival by ensuring the power equal to the rival state(s). This pursuit of power leads to the balance of power in that geographic region or system.
*Balance of Power* ensures the status quo, peace, and stability as the rivals counterbalance each other. This is what the US and USSR had between them during most of the time. Both had nukes, allies, and respective spheres of influence in different parts of the world.
*Zero-sum game* (ideological conflict), both wanted to win against each other, negating the possibility of peaceful coexistence.
*Rational Calculation* Both the US and USSR acted rationally and didn’t allow things spiral to WWII, despite several occasion where war was eminent, for instance Korean War and Cuban Missile Crisis.
