What is an unsatisfied power?

Understanding the world can sometimes be complicated and the behavior of some actors may seem irrational a priori; later it is shown that it follows a logic of its own. This is the reason for the construction of large theoretical frameworks that seek to simplify and systematize behaviors and allow us to see beyond the tree. In order to better understand the relationship between two or more states, the theoretical framework of offensive/defensive realism provides a good approximation.

We must start from the premise that the international system is anarchic and is based on power relations that are relative and constantly changing. This does not mean that certain conventions and avenues of dialogue do not exist; otherwise we would be in a constant war of all against all. No, it means that there is no centralized authority capable of imposing a single criterion, respected and followed by all. Not even the American superhegemony after the Cold War can be considered an exception to this rule.

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The theory under discussion, there are two types of state introduced on the basis of their relationship with the established system of relations. The first state is that which is satisfied with the system and seeks to maintain the status quo in force as little altered as possible. These satisfied states are usually those that enjoy an advantageous situation over the rest and their main objective is to limit possible reductions in their power. However, they can also be weaker states that understand that their situation is already precarious and any change may cause more harm than good. This type of state is at the heart of defensive realism, which at its core states that the actions of states are not inspired by the principle of hostility and gives rise to collaboration between states. This theoretical framework can be very useful in understanding the process of European integration.

FRANCE - APRIL 18: Belgian Foreign Minister Paul Van Zeeland signs the Schuman Plan Treaty at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Quai D'Orsay in Paris on April 18, 1951. Representatives of six European nations meeting in conference sign the Treaty of Paris establishing the ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community).

On the other hand, there are the dissatisfied or revisionist states that are best represented in offensive realism. They are those who are unhappy with their situation and act to increase their power. These states behave in a more aggressive and hostile way towards the rest. They understand that their ultimate goal is to obtain more power and they distrust the rest, especially the other great powers on the rise. To guarantee their security they choose to undermine the power quotas of the rest. This provides the dissatisfied state with a wide range of measures whose ultimate aim is to reduce the power of its competitors. Open warfare, sabotage, destabilization, etc., are some of the options. This theoretical framework can help us to understand both current and past conflicts. World War I can be understood as a sum of dissatisfied great powers engaged in a colonial expansionist spiral that recognized each other as certain threats to their own survival. As well as Russia's behavior as a revisionist country seeking to restore the former Soviet zone of influence/power, to the detriment of its neighbors.

In short, knowledge of both theoretical perspectives allows us to have a broader view when analyzing and understanding the reason for events. Other examples we have already seen in El Rincón del Pato Cojo in How China wants to control the South Sea, The geopolitics of the Nile: the conflict between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt or in When the East goes Middle.