国际体系的结构，而不是个别国家的意图，是国家行为的主要决定因素。
States are rational actors that seek to maximize their power and security in an anarchic international system.
国家是理性的行为者，在无政府状态的国际体系中寻求最大化其权力和安全。
The great powers are always searching for opportunities to gain power at the expense of their rivals, which makes them inherently aggressive.
大国总是在寻找机会以牺牲对手为代价来获得权力，这使得它们天生具有侵略性。
美国是世界上最强大的国家，在可预见的未来仍将如此。
States are inherently aggressive and expansionist because they exist in an anarchic international system where there is no higher authority to keep them in check.
国家本质上是侵略性和扩张主义的，因为它们存在于一个无政府状态的国际体系中，没有更高的权威来约束它们。
International politics is a brutal and dangerous business, and it is likely to remain that way.
国际政治是一项残酷而危险的事务，而且很可能继续保持这种状态。
The best way to ensure peace is to maintain a balance of power among the great powers.
确保和平的最佳方式是维持大国之间的权力平衡。
The great powers are always searching for opportunities to gain power at the expense of their rivals, and they will use force if they believe it will bring them strategic advantage.
大国总是在寻找机会以牺牲对手为代价来获得权力，如果他们认为使用武力会带来战略优势，他们就会使用武力。
The United States should not try to spread democracy around the world.
The balance of power is the only way to maintain peace in the international system.
权力平衡是维持国际体系和平的唯一途径。
The liberal international order is a myth.
自由国际秩序是一个神话。