Ask AI: What does realism mean with anarchy?

Realism is a theory of international relations that argues that international actors, including states, behave in a self-interested manner in pursuit of power and security. In the context of anarchy, which means the absence of a higher authority to enforce rules and regulations, realist theory suggests that states will naturally compete with one another for power and security. This competition can manifest in various forms, including military buildups, alliances, and the pursuit of strategic interests in other countries. Realist theorists argue that, without a higher authority to regulate behavior, self-help is the only means by which states can ensure their survival in an anarchic international system.