In essence, and from a big picture perspective or big picture standpoint, the core concept or the main concept to nail down is the difference between ‘absolute power’ and ‘relative power.’ Aspirations always exceed capabilities, given that power is not absolute, but rather, relative. Power is distributed. But of course, states will always seek to … Continue reading Calculated Aggression
Tag: russia
The Security Dilemma
To put it simply, survival among states is “almost guaranteed” if a ruler or a state is able to conquer the whole world. In other words, achieve what is never possible in order to achieve relative security. Power is always distributed, and in turn, states will always try to change the distribution of power through … Continue reading The Security Dilemma
Anarchy and the Struggle for Power
In short, it is all about international structure when we assess international affairs, and international structure equals “anarchy.” This equation or formula, in turn, leads to an inherent logic in international relations. In other words, anarchy leads to an inherent logic in international relations. To borrow from John Mearsheimer: “Great powers…are always searching for opportunities to gain power over … Continue reading Anarchy and the Struggle for Power
Forepleasure
Imagination is everything in social life. To borrow from Freud: “The realm of imagination was seen to be a ‘reservation’ made during the painful transition from the pleasure principle to the reality principle in order to provide a substitute for instinctual satisfactions which had to be given up in real life. The artist, like the neurotic, … Continue reading Forepleasure
An Orientalist Dream
As we said before, beneath the surface, we have “invisible string pullers” or an “invisible government” running everything on the world scene. But on the surface, it is about the “Great Game” between London and Moscow. And at the heart of the “Great Game” is Afghanistan and control over it. Both London and Moscow seek … Continue reading An Orientalist Dream
Adam A. Azim 