Task – ‘Open-source’ task. Theory – 10 point task – a ‘Open-source’ task. Find/identify main postulates of given great thinker/scholar [from Martin Griffiths

Kenneth Waltz
Kenneth Waltz was an American political scientist who is best known for his work on international relations theory, particularly his contribution to the development of structural realism. The main postulates of Waltz are:

1. 
   Structural Realism: Waltz is considered one of the founders of the structural realist school of thought in international relations. He argued that the international system is structured in such a way that it creates a self-help system, where states are driven by the pursuit of power and security.
   
2. 
   Levels of Analysis: Waltz introduced the concept of levels of analysis, which divides the study of international relations into three levels: the individual level, the domestic level, and the systemic level. He argued that the systemic level was the most important in shaping state behavior.
   
3. 
   The Distribution of Power: Waltz believed that the distribution of power among states is the primary determinant of international relations. He argued that the distribution of power determines the balance of power in the international system and the stability of the system.
   

Illustration of events/cases in IR:

1. 
   The Cold War: The Cold War is an example of Waltz's work on structural realism and the role of the international system in shaping state behavior. He saw the bipolar structure of the international system during the Cold War as creating a self-help system and driving the pursuit of power and security by the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union.
   
2. 
   The Gulf War: The Gulf War is an example of Waltz's work on the distribution of power and the balance of power in the international system. He saw the intervention of the United States and its coalition partners in the Gulf War as an attempt to maintain the balance of power in the region and prevent the dominant power, Iraq, from threatening international stability.
   
3. 
   The Iraq War: The Iraq War is an example of Waltz's work on the individual level of analysis and the role of domestic politics in shaping foreign policy. He saw the decision by the United States to invade Iraq in 2003 as driven by domestic political considerations and individual level factors, rather than systemic level factors.