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Balance of Power

The document discusses the concept of balance of power (BOP) in international relations, suggesting that a balance can prevent war and maintain peace. It outlines various definitions of power, the dynamics of BOP, and the techniques used by states to achieve it, such as alliances and disarmament. The document also critiques the focus of states on increasing their power rather than maintaining balance, highlighting the implications for smaller states and international stability.

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Anees Larik
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2 views

Balance of Power

The document discusses the concept of balance of power (BOP) in international relations, suggesting that a balance can prevent war and maintain peace. It outlines various definitions of power, the dynamics of BOP, and the techniques used by states to achieve it, such as alliances and disarmament. The document also critiques the focus of states on increasing their power rather than maintaining balance, highlighting the implications for smaller states and international stability.

Uploaded by

Anees Larik
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Balance of power

Is power threat to peace?


May be
Can power bring peace?
May be
Can power bring peace?
May be
Will you prefer to fight a strong wrestler more powerful than you?
May be not
What about strong wrestler? will be prefer to fight with you?
Definitely
How can you stop him from not fighting?
Increasing your own power
What will this do?
It will balance your power against him
What does this mean?
BOP can stop war and maintain peace.
This same principle applies for a state as well.
As long as there is balance of power there is peace.
War is the absence of balance of power.
So excess power brings war
If power is not to abuse, then it is in the nature of things that power be
made a check to power (Montesquieu)
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely great man are
almost bad man (Lord Action)
Power can be made for peace keeping
Definition of power
Exact definition is not possible
An equilibrium or a certain amount of stability in international relations
It is an actual state of affairs in which power is distributed among several
nation with approximate equality (Morganthu)
The question now is that do states really aim at BOP
The reality is that state focus on increase its power and not on balance of
power.
But other state also responds in the same manner and thus the growing
power can be checked.
Types of power
Simple balance
Multiple balance
Simple balance a balance that exist between individual state or any two
groups of state.
The number in each group may be different but the overall power is
balanced between the group (Iran &Iraq war Pakistan &India Communist
& Capitalist)
Multiple balance it is the balance that exist many states or among different
groups nations
The world was multi polar from 1648-1945
Features of BOP
It is dynamic (change able) nuclear test of India
It is not achieved but by active inventions of man some time nature
intervention by natural calamity famine earth quake epidemic flood
BOP aims to bring peace and avoid arm conflicts
BOP is power game of big states and weaker states are used
The big states use small state
Techniques
Alliances and counter alliance NATO WARASA pact
Compensation
Partition
Armament disarmament
Divide and rule
Benefits
Help in bringing peace
Help in preservation of independence of smaller state (NAM)
Due to BOP smaller states got independence
Disarmament between US And SU
Criticism

France Britain Russia Prussia (Germany)

1. Classical Definition:
Balance of power is often defined as a situation in which no single nation
or alliance dominates, maintaining an equilibrium that prevents any one
power from becoming too strong. This is aimed at preserving peace and
stability within the international system.

2. Realist Definition:

According to the realist school, balance of power refers to the distribution


of power among states so that no single state is powerful enough to
dominate all others. Realists argue that states act primarily out of self-
interest and are continuously adjusting to maintain their relative power
and security.

3. Morgenthau’s Definition:

Political scientist Hans Morgenthau defined balance of power as “an


approximately equal distribution of power among states that ensures that
no one nation or coalition of nations is strong enough to dominate the
others.” He viewed it as a fundamental law of international politics.

4. Defensive Realism:

Kenneth Waltz, a proponent of defensive realism, describes the balance


of power as a natural outcome of an anarchic international system. He
argues that states, seeking security in a self-help environment, will
naturally counterbalance any powerful state to maintain their security.

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