In international relations, what does 'anarchy' refer to?

In the context of international relations, 'anarchy' specifically refers to the absence of a singular governing authority among states. This concept is fundamental to the study of international politics, as it describes the decentralized nature of the international system where no overarching authority exists to enforce rules or regulations across states.

In an anarchic system, states operate in a self-help environment where they must rely on their own capabilities to ensure their survival and national interests. This absence of a global sovereign means that states must navigate their interactions, which can often lead to competition, conflict, or cooperation based on their individual interests. The concept of anarchy does not imply chaos or disorder; rather, it emphasizes the lack of a hierarchical structure that is commonly found within domestic political systems.

The other options present concepts that may coexist with or arise within an anarchic international system but do not encapsulate the essence of what 'anarchy' means in the context of international relations. Global governance structures, international laws, and norms could be seen as attempts by states to create order within this anarchic framework, and regional organizations represent certain dynamics within that system but do not define the overarching principle of anarchy.