Threats cause human suffering. If the function of the state is specifically to provide security to survive, would it not be practical to develop a theory that concentrates on the survival of the human species? If states exist to enable human survival, then scholars must develop theories which take into account matters that threaten to destroy human civilization. Standard Structural Realism states
... [Show full abstract] that the structure of the international system is defined by anarchy and capabilities. States must defend themselves militarily to survive. However, as representatives of people, states must also protect life and property. Non-state threats to citizens, such as violent political groups, economic instability, environmental disaster, cyber-attacks and outbreaks of disease, also affect the international system as states act to neutralize these sources of individual human suffering.
