John Burton's Theoretical Analysis

On September 28th, 2015 President Obama made his foreign policy address at the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations. The majority of his points were made from an idealistic perspective, as well as expressing John Burton 's behavioral realism perspectives. However, there were points that leaned toward the side of political realism, as well as certain points that depending on one 's perspective could be taken either way. In the second paragraph of the President 's address, he expresses the importance of alliances among the nations present that prevented a third world war. He continues to boat international system they have created that punishes countries "who choose conflict over cooperation...". The fact that the United States …show more content…
The argument between defensive and offensive realism is if overwhelming power is the best way to secure the success of one 's nation. The President clearly expresses how "global capital flows have powered growth and investment, but also increased the risk of contagion...accelerated inequality," this aligns with the idea under structural realism that power is a means to an end, and the ultimate end is survival, in addition, this demonstrates the President leaning more toward …show more content…
However, this statement here is very important, as it encompasses all five assumptions of structural realism which "when combined depict a world of ceaseless security competition." That statement coming from the President, the leader of the world 's largest super power in a way shows that political realism can secure power. Assumption one is there is no centralized authority, although there is the United Nations, it is fair to say the United States has the most leverage in determining what actions they take. Assumption two is recognized as it talks about a state 's military capability, assumption three that states cannot trust each other. The President would not feel the need to in a way gloat about the United State 's military capabilities if it did not trust the other countries regardless if they are allies or not. Assumption four the main goal is survival, the President clearly states he would not hesitate to use military force if the United States was under attack. Assumption Five states are rational actors; clearly the United States has proved itself in being able to strategically hold their place of