BALANCE OF POWER THEORY

BALANCE OF POWER THEORY

• The balance of power is a concept in international relations
that refers to the distribution of power and influence
among nations. It can refer to the distribution of military,
economic, or political power, as well as other types of
power.
• The idea behind the balance of power is that no one nation
should become so dominant that it threatens the stability
and security of the international system. The balance of
power is often maintained through a system of alliances
and counterbalances, as well as through diplomacy and
negotiation.
• The goal is to prevent any one nation from achieving
dominance, which could lead to conflict and instability
• The Concept of balance of power is also called ‘a basic principle
of international relations and fundamental law of politics ‘.
• The first explicit statement of the doctrine of balance of power is
credited to Bernardo Rucellai.
• This Theory began shortly after 1500 and was most successfully
applied in the 18th and 19th Century.
• No nation can live in isolation. A large number of nations with
varying degree of power exist and each nation tries to maximize its
power.
• The power of one group is balanced by the other opposing group.
• So long as there is this type for balance, there is peace. War is due
to the existence of disequilibrium. Balance is stable when the
weights in the scales are equal
• According to Morgenthau, “The balance of
power is an actual state of affairs in which
power is distributed among nations with
approximate equality”.
• George Schwarzenberger says, “ The
balance of power is an equilibrium or a certain
amount of stability in international relations”
• The balance of power assumes ‘power equilibrium’,
that is there should be equilibrium in power
relationships of the nations. Under the system
disequilibrium in power may be an exception but
equilibrium is a matter of course or rule.
• It is not a gift of god, but is achieved by the active
intention of man.
• It favors the ‘status quo’ but to effective, the policy
must be changing and dynamic one.
• The game of balance of power is meant for big powers
only and the small powers are like weights in a balance
used by others.
• To keep the balance, it requires a balancer for
the successful operation of the system.
• It is temporary and unstable
• It is not the sure way to peace
• Excessive power anywhere in the system is a
threat to the existence of other nations. So
other nations must rise to this danger and meet
power with power
Simple Balance- Power distribution between two opposing camps is almost
equal. – USA/USSR
Multiple Balance- In this system, there need not be a single system, instead
there may be many sub-systems or local balances or power within a system
Local, Regional and Global-
The balance is local, if it is at local level. E.g. India and Pakistan.
It is Regional, if it is an area or a continent . E.g. Europe or Asia.
It is global or worldwide- all the countries are preparing in it through a
network of alliances and counter alliances.
Flexible and Rigid
In the monarchical days when princes could make sudden and radical shifts in
their alliances, the balance was generally flexible. With the coming
ideologies and greater economic independence, patterns of power have
tended to become rigid.
Methods of Balance of Power :
Armament and Disarmament-
Armament race between the USA and USSR in the post
world war- II period
2. Alliances and counter Alliances-
In the post World war-II, USA with its alliance formed
NATO, SEATO, CENTO etc. and the USSR countered them
with the Warsaw pact.
3. Compensation and Partition –
Under this method certain territories are handed over to a weak
nation to add to its strength and weaken a strong nation.
4. Intervention and Non-Intervention-
• Intervention is a dictatorial interference in the affairs of another
country to enforce some specific demands.
• This can be used by a powerful state in relation to a weak state.
5. Divide and Rule -
• Under this method, effort is made to keep the competitor weak by
dividing it so that it may not be able to pose any serious challenge.
6. Buffer States –
• A buffer state is neutral zone between two or more states involved
in the game of balance of power.
7. Domestic methods
• Alliances: nations may form alliances with other nations to
counterbalance the power of potential adversaries. This helps to
prevent any one nation from becoming too dominant and
threatening the stability of the international system.
• Diplomacy: diplomatic efforts can be used to encourage nations to
balance their power and influence. This can include negotiations,
mediations, and other forms of diplomatic engagement to resolve
conflicts and promote cooperation.
• Military power: the deployment of military forces or the threat of
military action can be used to maintain the balance of power. For
example, a nation may use its military to deter another nation
from pursuing aggressive actions.
• Economic power: economic sanctions, trade agreements, and
other forms of economic influence can be used to maintain the
balance of power.
• Multilateral institutions: international organizations, such as the
United Nations, can play a role in maintaining the balance of
power by promoting cooperation and negotiation among nations.
• Deterrence: the threat of retaliation can act as a deterrent and
help to maintain the balance of power. This can be achieved
through military, economic, or other means of retaliation.
• Balance of terror: the use of nuclear weapons and the threat of
mutually assured destruction can act as a deterrent and help to
maintain the balance of power.
• Power sharing: nations may agree to share power and influence in
certain regions or spheres of influence to prevent any one nation
from becoming too dominant.
• It is important to note that while these methods can be effective
in maintaining the balance of power, they can also lead to tension
and conflict if not used carefully and judiciously.
 Relevance of Balance of Power
Principle in Modern Times

• Bi-Polarity
• Disappearance of Balances
• Fear of Destructive war
• The limitations imposed by ideology
• Increasing Disparity in the Power of States
• Impact of new Forces