In the seminal 1979 classic Theory of International Politics, Kenneth Waltz identified the benefits a state can derive if its security is prioritized above all else. His theory of neorealism, also known as structural realism, emphasizes the anarchic nature of the international system, where states exist in a self-help environment and must constantly seek to maximize their security.
Realism provides useful tools for dissecting state behavior and interests, but it cannot fully account for Russia's diplomatic misfires or other unpredictable events that challenge traditional realist assumptions. Despite this limitation, Waltz's theory remains a cornerstone in the study of international relations.