Can We Ever Have Lasting Peace? Insights from Kenneth Waltz’s Theory of International Politics

Peace remains humanity’s most cherished aspiration, yet it often seems just out of reach. Waltz’s theory offers a sobering yet insightful perspective on why lasting peace is so elusive.

Efforts to spread peace or democracy, though noble, can paradoxically provoke conflict. Interventionist policies may ignite resistance or exacerbate security dilemmas. Economic interdependence, while fostering cooperation, can also fuel competition over resources and markets.

Waltz emphasizes the importance of aligning peace strategies with the causes they aim to address. Behavioral reforms may help individuals and societies, but without addressing systemic anarchy, states remain trapped in a self-help world where power and survival dominate.

Moreover, the persistent focus on relative gains means states often hesitate to fully trust and cooperate, fearing exploitation. This dynamic ensures that cooperation and conflict coexist, making peace a continuous, delicate balancing act.

Despite these challenges, understanding the interplay of human nature, state structures, and the international system offers pathways toward more effective peacebuilding. Pragmatism, patience, and multi-level engagement are key.