Realism and Balance of Threat with Dr. Stephen Walt

Hopkins Podcast on Foreign Affairs

Realism has been the dominant theory of international relations since its conception, and within the realist school, the balance of power theory is a core tenet and posits that in order to survive as independent entities in an anarchic system, states are compelled to increase their power and balance against a potential hegemon. This theory was modified by Stephen Walt in 1985, who emphasized the role played by threat perception, rather than power itself to explain why states do not always balance against rising powers. In this episode, Professor Walt discusses the key tenets of his balance of threat, including how its implications are distinct from balance of power theory. We also discuss the application of the theory to the war in Ukraine, from the events and key decisions leading up to the conflict to how a lasting peace can eventually be negotiated.

Realism and Balance of Threat with Dr. Stephen Walt

Episode Credits:

Host: Julia An

Editor: Leo Kamer

Music: Zee Yuen