The realist theory of international relations represents the why and how of the domination of certain powers in the 19th century. At that time, control of land was directly proportional to the distribution of wealth among European states. This made the states that controlled the most land the dominant powers and created an international environment that influenced how states interacted with each other. Centuries before, states used international diplomacy as part of power politics that leveraged their militaries to ensure national security. Although anarchy existed, states attempted to maintain international stability through congresses in three specific instances during this century in order to maintain the balance of power in the world. world. Because states retained their individual rights and the ability to leave alliances whenever they wished, there was no government or other type of international authority, and security dilemmas persisted. Fear and distrust created the way world politics played out, which created a continual struggle between states to become the hegemon. The Congress of Vienna in 1814, which presented Russia, Austria, Prussia and Britain as the dominant countries. dominating the powers known as the Quadruple Alliance, diplomatically deciding the fate of France and the conquered nations during the Napoleonic Wars. These four largest nations did not care that some small nations became smaller or disappeared from the European map. Their participation in the Congress of Vienna established their hegemony and increased the area they owned or controlled. This meeting of states, which determined the fate of an aggressive state, was the first independent effort...... middle of paper ...... rational actors were more likely to use diplomacy to resolve security dilemmas. States wanted to avoid any military response and were developing new methods of consideration in foreign relations. The centuries since have shown greater awareness of the causes of security dilemmas. Although the examination of international politics and the resulting theories have varied over the centuries, the fundamental security issues caused by anarchy remain. Works Cited Chapman, Tim. Congress of Vienna: origins, process and results. Florence, KY: Routledge, 1998. McKenzie, J. M. Partition of Africa, 1880-1900: and European Imperialism in the Nineteenth Century. Florence, KY: Routledge, 1983. Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2005. Shirkey, Zachary C. Is this a private fight or can anyone join in? Burlington: Ashgate Publishing Company, 2009.