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According to neorealism (structural realism), which distribution of power is most war-prone?

User Tacha
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Final answer:

Neorealism suggests that multipolar distributions of power are most war-prone due to instability and the likelihood of conflicts arising from miscalculations among several great powers.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to neorealism (structural realism), the distribution of power that is most war-prone is one where no single state is overwhelmingly more powerful than the others, leading to a balance of power situation that can result in competition and conflict. Neorealism posits that the structure of the international system, which is inherently anarchic, forces states to seek to ensure their own survival and may drive them to engage in conflict in a bid for security or power. Within the neorealist framework, multipolar systems are considered more unstable and therefore more war-prone compared to bipolar or unipolar systems, as the greater number of great powers increases the likelihood of miscalculation, miscommunication, and conflicts of interest that can lead to war. Offensive realism, a branch of neorealism, particularly stresses that states are motivated to seek power aggressively, which can lead to interstate conflict.

User Hazim Ali
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