Anarchy and International Relations

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Meaning of Anarchy1

Discussion3

Different states owing Nuclear weapons and technology3

Iran's Nuclear Proliferation5

Conclusion8

References10

Anarchy and International Relations

Introduction

Meaning of Anarchy

The online resource of the Merriam Webster dictionary (2001) defines anarchy as the absence of a government, or the lack of control that results due to non-existence of a government, or one of its systems. In addition, it also defines anarchy as a society where there is free reign and no individual is accountable to anyone. However, Wards (n.d) dedicates one of his researches to present a clearer meaning of this word, from the various delusionary versions that exist on many web resources. Wards (n.d), defines anarchy as a social relationship that doesn't require any form of control or compliance, it's a free will system where no one is accountable to anyone and therefore not subjected to any form of punishment or legal action. Thus, in its essence, anarchy is a peaceful, socially cohesive form of system. In addition, Roberts (1984), in one of his works have presented the view that anarchy in its literal terms refers to a state that does not have a leader. Furthermore, Roberts (1984) refers that the modern terminology of anarchy have come to encompassed with double meanings of not having a leader or a government authority coupled with the state of chaos that is witnessed in the absence of the latter. Roberts (1984) to clarify the meaning of anarchy further, quotes the literal meaning of this word by the Oxford English Dictionary, which describes it as the 'absence of a government', or the state of lawlessness that results in due to the absence of a political order. Thus, anarchy could easily be understood as un-chaotic and nonviolent, state or situation. On the contrary, Lake (1996) in his work describes anarchy as opposed to hierarchy, with respect to that anarchy is a more mutual or united mode of system but hierarchy is not. Furthermore, he discusses that in situation where the presence of both is mandated then hierarchal system would gain precedence over anarchy, as the nucleus of a system is to be organized and to follow set procedures for it to function effectively.

Powell (1994) states anarchy as one of the part of the neo-realism and defines anarchy as the main purpose behind different countries to formulate their policies. This is the most conflicting view about anarchy presented so far, but this reflects important insight related to our case as anarchy exists in opposite to its basic meaning and practice in today's world. Thus, those states that claim to be anarchical tend to be more dictatorial in nature, leaning towards competition and conflict. Hence, Powell (1994) clearly identifies two viewpoints of anarchy, the first of which is the lack of the government or its authority. This however implies that the state shall be free to take and make its decisions, decided unilaterally, but the government would not have any authority to approve or reject, or any other form of power to interfere in such ...