International Balance of Power Theory

International Balance of Power Theory – Part 2 – By Kithsiri Senadeera

International Balance of Power Theory - Part 2 - By Kithsiri Senadeera

Definition of Balance of Power Theory

The previous paper provided an overview of the concept of balance of power theory and emphasised its importance of deeper understanding of the complexities of global politics. In this paper (Part 2) definitions given by leading scholars in International Relations and an overview of the major features of balance of power are elucidated.

Balance of power mostly is defined as a state of dynamic equilibrium characterizing relations among nations. It is the process of matching a nation or group of nations protecting itself against another nation or group of nations by matching its power against the power of the other, so that conflicts are prevented in the relations among nations. States balance or matching its power in two ways; “Internal balancing” refers to the measures that a state takes to increase its own capabilities, principally the mobilization of its wealth, technology, resources, and population to build up its military forces. “External balancing” refers to. States come together and form an alliance to balance and gain more leverage over a dominant or rising power.

Different leading scholars in International Relations have endeavoured to define this concept as mentioned below:

(1) “Balance of Power is such a ‘just equilibrium’ in power among the members of the family of nations as will prevent any one of them from becoming sufficiently strong to enforce its will upon others.” —Sidney B. Fay

(2) “Balance of Power is an equilibrium or a certain amount of stability in power relations that under favourable conditions is produced by an alliance of states or by other devices.” —George Schwarzenberger

(3) “Balance of Power is such a system in which some nations regulate their power relations without any interference by any big power. As such it is a decentralized system in which power and policies remain in the hands of constituting units.” —Inis Claude

(4) Balance of Power means “the maintenance of such a just equilibrium between the members of the family of nations as should prevent any one of them from becoming sufficiently strong to impose its will upon the rest.” —Lord Castlereagh

(5) “Whenever the term Balance of Power is used without qualification, it refers to an actual state of affairs in which power is distributed among nations with approximately equality.” —Hans. J. Morgenthau

All these definitions clearly reflect that Balance of Power is defined differently by different scholars. It is very difficult to give or select a uniformly acceptable definition. Despite the multiple, imprecise, and ambiguous nature, the balance of power is the very core of international politics. This difficultly makes it necessary for us to study the features Balance of Power.

Features of Balance of Power

Palmer and Perkins, (1954) gives us an overview that describes the major features of balance of power. They are:

Some Sort of Equilibrium in Power Relations: The term balance of power suggests equilibrium — balance — which is subject to constant, ceaseless change. In short, though it stands for equilibrium, it also involves some disequilibrium. That is why scholars define it as a just equilibriums or some sort of equilibrium in power relations.
2. Temporary and unstable: In practice, a balance of power always proves to be dynamic and fluid. A particular balance of power survives only for a short time. The balance of power is not static; it evolves as states gain or lose power due to economic growth, military advancements, or political changes.
To be actively achieved: The balance of power has to be achieved by the active intervention. They have to secure it through their efforts. According to Nicholas J. Spykman, Professor of International Relations at Yale University, The Balance of Power is not “a gift of the gods” but is achieved by the active intervention of man.” States cannot afford to wait until it “happens” if they wish to survive. They must be willing to go to war to preserve a balance against the growing hegemonic (predominance of one state over other states) power of the period”.
4. Favours Status quo: Balance of power favours status quo in power positions of major powers. It seeks to maintain a balance in their power relations. However, in order to be effective, a foreign policy of balance of power must be changing and dynamic.
The test of balance of power is War: A real balance of power seldom exists. The only test of the existence of a balance of power is that of war and when war breaks out the balance comes to an end.
Balance of power is not a device of peace: Balance of power is not a primary device of peace because it admits war as a means for maintaining balance. It should, therefore, be understood that the primary object of the balance of Power is to maintain the independence of states and not to preserve the peace.
Big powers as actors of balance of power: In a balance of power system, the big states or powerful states are the players. The small states or less powerful states are either spectators or the victims of the game. Unless the small states can combine, they may be able to exert some pressure upon the most powerful states.
The multiplicity of states as an essential condition: Balance of power system operates when there are present a number of major powers, each of which is determined to maintain a particular balance or equilibrium in their power relations.
National interest is its basis: Balance of power is a policy that can be adopted by any state. The real basis that leads to this policy is national interest in a given environment.

From the above discussion, it becomes clear that the main goal of Balance of Power is a device of power management to prevent any one state or coalition from achieving a hegemonic (authority over others: domination) position that could threaten international stability and peace. In case any state tries to disturb or violate the balance of power, the other states individually or collectively or as a group can take action, including war, for weakening the power of the violator as well as for restoring balance of power. It is a device of power management which is used by several major powers for maintaining a sort of equilibrium in their power relations. In fact, there are several methods by which states try to secure and maintain balance of power.