What is the political science concept of anarchy?

In political science, anarchy refers to a state of society where there is no recognized authority or governing body, leading to a lack of formal political order. It is often associated with the absence of government, which can result in chaos and disorder, or alternatively, it can be viewed as a condition that allows for freedom and self-organization among individuals and groups. Anarchy is a key concept in international relations, particularly in the context of realism, where the international system is seen as anarchic due to the absence of a central authority to enforce rules or maintain order among sovereign states.