Research On Arnold Wolfers' International Political Theory

Classical realism,one of the mainstream theoretical paradigms for international political debate and the practice of the analysis,is widely recognized since it produced. The theory suggests that only national-state has the undisputed dominant position in the international arena.Wolfers,as the representative of this theory, has his own unique views.He points out his views that the individuals, groups and other non-state actors should be considered as research subjects are based on the theroy of human intellect and decision-making .And only then establishing a real "reality" theory is possible.The classical realists regard the national states as the main actors in the international community.It is inevitable to struggle for power in order to maintain their own power and realize their benefits. Therefore, the majority of classical realists believe that power is the ultimate goal of international politics. Wolfers expounds his views that "power is a means rather than objective",which is started with "teleological" and elaborated from three objectives,"self-extension","self-preservation" and "self-abnegation".Struggling for power between sovereign states will create contradictions and conflicts, in addition, international anarchy and countries' pursuits of the incompatible targets can also induce international conflicts, Wolfers considers.In the many ways to solve the problem,he regards the balance of power as the acceptable solution to the conflict.Alliance is a way of implementation for balance of strategic. Its formation may be due to the inherent benefits between the country's requirements, but also may be required based on the external threat. However, no matter what goals the alliance is set up for, its internal league system is not indestructible. So Wolfers thinks "an alliance is a damage rather than a supplement for national strength."As the minor discipline of politics, international politics has a close relationship with political science. Wolfers analyses the reasons for the separation between the two deeply, and the corresponding solution, which is concerned about the Anglo-American tradition of political thought.Generally speaking, Arnold Wolfers agrees with the basic theory of classical realism, at the same time he has their own insights and additions to different theories. It is just his attempt to find a comprehensive theory that results in its theoretical ambiguity with gimmicks.