Final answer:
Structural realists assert that the international system is characterized by anarchy and the dominance of the state's security needs dictated by the balance of power.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to structural realists or neorealists, two primary characteristics of the international system are:
- The international system is anarchic, meaning that there is no central authority above the state; this anarchy compels states to prioritize their own security and survival.
- The structure of the international system dictates state behavior. States are influenced by the balance of power and act accordingly to maintain or alter it to ensure their security, rather than being driven by the individual characteristics or decisions of their leaders.
Structural realism emphasizes that while states are the main actors, they operate within an international system that lacks overarching governance. The power distribution among states, whether unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar, shapes their actions and the overall dynamism of international affairs.