India, Dec. 14 -- To comprehend global politics, it is essential to grasp the mind-set of states. A significant portion of international relations theory wants us to believe that states act rationally. However, numerous scholars contend that political leaders seldom behave rationally.

This question is vital for both the analysis and application of international politics, as only if states are rational can scholars and policymakers effectively understand and anticipate their actions. In contrast to individuals, states do not act impulsively; rather, policymakers evaluate threats in a strategic manner. Based on this reasoning, they argue that states typically place a higher value on survival and security than on any other considerations. ...