Walt identifies four criteria states use to evaluate the threat posed by another state: its aggregate strength (size, population, and economic capabilities), its geographic proximity, its offensive capabilities, and its offensive intentions.
Walt memaparkan empat kriteria yang digunakan negara untuk menilai ancaman yang dimiliki negara lain: Kekuatan (ukuran, populasi, dan kemampuan ekonomi), kedekatan wilayah, kemampuan menyerang, dan niat menyerang.