The statement represents the “2nd great debate” in International Relations between Realism and Liberalism/Idealism.
The “Will to Power”- The Realist Foundation
Human Nature- humans (and by extension, states) have an innate animus dominandi-a lust for power. (Hans Morgenthau.)
Anarchy- In an international system with no global government, states must seek power to ensure their survival.
Zero-Sum Game- if one state gains power, another feels less secure, leading to the “Security Dilemma.” Eg- Pakistan’s nuclear tests after India
Hegemonic Ambition- Eg- China’s “Global Civilization Initiative”
Territorial Expansionism- Eg- Russia’s ongoing annexation of Ukrainian territories
Nuclear Proliferation for deterrence and prestige. Eg- North Korea and Iran
Technological Supremacy- Eg- U.S.-China “Chip War” (2025)
Resource Weaponization- Eg- OPEC+ production cuts in late 2024
Taming through “Rationality”- The Neoliberal Approach
Rationality suggests that cooperation provides better long-term outcomes than conflict.
Interdependence- Trade creates “mutual destruction” risks that make peace more logical. Eg- U.S.-China trade
International Institutions- bodies like the UN, WTO, and IMF provide a framework for negotiation.
Regime Theory- It is easier to follow a shared rule than to fight for dominance every time a dispute arises.
Standardization of Global Tech- Eg- The Global AI Safety Summit (2025)
Collective Security- Eg- Sweden and Finland’s 2024-25 integration into NATO
Guiding by “Principles of Moral Duty”- The Constructivist and Liberal View
IR is not just about cold logic, but about Norms, Ethics, and Identity.
Democratic Peace Theory- “moral duty” toward democratic values prevents democracies from going to war with one another.
Human Rights- “will to power” (state sovereignty) is tamed by the moral duty to prevent mass atrocities. Eg- Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine
Constructivism- Thinkers like Alexander Wendt argue that “anarchy is what states make of it.” If states adopt a “Kantian” philosophy, the will to power is replaced by a will to cooperate.
The “Nuclear Taboo”- Eg- The G20 2024 New Delhi Declaration reiterating that “the use or threat of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.”
Human Rights Advocacy- Eg- ICC arrest warrants (2024-25) for leaders accused of war crimes
Challenges
The Return of Geopolitics- Eg- Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the South China Sea
Rise of protectionism and territorial nationalism.
Erosion of Multilateralism. Eg- crisis of credibility of UN
Asymmetric warfare. Eg- state sponsored terrorism.
The statement is an appeal for Enlightened Realism through the “rational” design of institutions and a shared “moral” commitment to human dignity