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Methods of Balance of Power

The document outlines various methods of maintaining the balance of power among nations, including compensation, alliances, intervention, divide and rule, buffer states, armaments, and the role of a balancer. Each method is explained with examples, highlighting their significance in international relations. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of these methods in power management.

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23 views

Methods of Balance of Power

The document outlines various methods of maintaining the balance of power among nations, including compensation, alliances, intervention, divide and rule, buffer states, armaments, and the role of a balancer. Each method is explained with examples, highlighting their significance in international relations. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of these methods in power management.

Uploaded by

n0886660
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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METHODS OF

BALANCE OF
POWER
PDF BY – DR KOMAL SINGH
CHAUHAN
Methods of Balance of Power
I. Compensation
➢ also known as territorial compensation
➢ annexation or division of the territory of the state whose
power is considered dangerous for the balance.
➢ Example - the 3 partitions of Poland
Methods of Balance of Power
2. Alliances and Counter Alliances
➢ Principal method of balance of power.
➢Nations create a favorable balance of power by entering
into military or security pacts aimed at increasing their own
strength vis-a-vis opponents.
➢leads to the establishment of a counter alliance by the
opponents
3. Intervention and Non-intervention:
➢Interference in the internal affairs of another state/states with a
view to change or maintain a particular desired situation whichever
is considered to be useful to the competing opponents.
➢ If no attempt is made by other states to intervene, it is non
intervention and is done for making the two warring states weaker.
➢Example - USSR’s intervention in Afghanistan
4. Divide and Rule
➢Nations try to make their competitors weak by keeping them
divided or by dividing them.

5. Buffer States or Zones


➢Areas which are weak, but possess strategic importance to 2 or
more strong powers.
➢A small state maintained as a separating state i.e. as a buffer state
for keeping two competing states physically separate.
➢The major function of a buffer is to keep the two powerful nations
apart and thus minimise the chances of clash and hence to help the
maintenance of balance.
Methods of Balance of Power
6. Armaments and Disarmaments
➢Nations place great emphasis on armaments as the means
for maintaining or securing a favorable position in power
relations.
➢However, armament race leads to a highly dangerous
situation
➢ Disarmament regarded as better device for maintaining
world peace and security.
7. The Holder of the Balance or the Balancer:
➢The balancer is a nation or a group of nations, which remains aloof
from the policies of the two rivals or opponents and plays the role of,
“the laughing third party.”
➢It poses temptations to both parties to the balance, and each party
tries to win over its support
➢ Remains away from both the parties but if any balance group
becomes extremely weak, the balancer joins it and helps the
restoration of balance.
➢After that the balancer again becomes aloof.
CONCLUSION
❖An important device of Power management
❖Achieved through methods like compensation,
alliances, establishment of buffer zones, armament
and disarmament, among others.

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