M...: Realism And Fear In International Relations :

Because states must provide for their own security (a "self-help" system), two critical factors emerge:

This blog post explores how the chief architects of realism—, Kenneth Waltz , and John Mearsheimer —view fear as the fundamental force shaping our world. 1. The Roots of Fear: Anarchy and Uncertainty Realism and Fear in International Relations : M...

: When State A builds up its military for defense, State B perceives this as a threat and builds its own. This creates a cycle where both states feel less secure than before, despite their best efforts. Because states must provide for their own security