Balance of power

Balance of power is a concept in international relations that describes the distribution of power among nations. It is a theory that proposes that national security is enhanced when military capability is distributed so that no one state is strong enough to dominate all others.

History

The balance of power theory in international relations suggests that states may secure their survival by preventing any one state from gaining enough military power to dominate all others. If one state becomes much stronger, the theory predicts it will take advantage of its strength and attack weaker neighbors, thereby providing an incentive for those threatened to unite in a defensive coalition. Some realists maintain that this would be a stable outcome that can protect the security of all states. Others disagree, arguing that this is a recipe for endless conflict.

The concept of the balance of power has been a central idea in the theory and practice of international relations for centuries. It was a guiding principle in the design of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, which marked the end of the Thirty Years' War. The balance of power played a major role in the outcome of the Congress of Vienna in 1815, following the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Modern Usage

In the modern era, the balance of power theory has been used to explain the behavior of states in times of escalating tensions, such as during the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. The balance of power is also a significant concept in the design of organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union.

Criticism

Critics of the balance of power theory argue that it is overly simplistic, and does not take into account the complexities of international relations. They argue that power is not always distributed evenly, and that states do not always act in their own best interests.

See Also

• Realism (international relations)
• Deterrence theory
• Power transition theory