International Balance of Power Theory – By Kithsiri Senadeera
Why study Balance of Power Theory?
The main objective of this article is to provide a theoretical framework for understanding balance of power theory which is useful to comprehend international relations among nations and their relevance to contemporary international system. With interconnectedness fostered by globalization we are affected by events happening across borders or in other part of the world thousands of miles away. Therefore, we should aware of international relationships, interactions, and interdependencies that exist among various nations in the international sphere. This topic intersects with History, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, and other disciplines, offering a rich, interdisciplinary perspective that encourages critical thinking and comprehensive understanding. Studying balance of power provides invaluable insights into the evolution of modern political and economic systems ensuring that future generations can learn from the lessons of the past. It helps us understand the interplay between power, diplomacy, and governance in shaping the modern world. As long as international politics is influenced by a nation-based state, balance of power theory will continue to be a fundamental principle. This Balance of Power theory has been pivotal in shaping the foreign policies of nations for centuries and remains a cornerstone in understanding global politics today. So it is better to be aware of balance of power theory which is an important concept in deeper understanding of the complexities of global politics.
Further, in my opinion most of our Sri Lankans are not much familiar with this concept. One of the main reasons for lack of knowledge in this field of study is due to the shortcomings of our educational system of our motherland. Although we self-praise about our professionalism and contribution to the Australian society, our knowledge is limited mostly to our own field of study (“Frog in the Well”?) i.e. Medicine, Engineering, Science, IT, etc. not in History, Geography, Sociology, Psychology, Law or any other Social Sciences. On the other hand those who studied Social Sciences/Arts, Artistic Disciplines hardly know about Science and Technology. There was no interdisciplinary approach i.e. Integrating academic, scientific, or artistic disciplines across the curriculum. This would mean taking a holistic approach, combining multiple disciplines fostering critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Here in Australian curriculum I have come across medical and science students studying subjects such as Egyptology -study of ancient Egypt, Anthropology, and Ancient History. It is a great pity that our Education Ministry and University Dons did not take any effort to bring these changes, but just followed the colonial system. I understand that current Minister of Education is in the process of educational reforms and at a panel discussion on 26th July she stressed that education should be about holistic development. However, the Minister did not mention about interdisciplinary approach in her educational reforms programme. I think that we may have to convey this message the Minister without delay.
What is Balance of Power?
The balance of power is one of the oldest and most fundamental concepts in international relations theory. It represents one of the most enduring frameworks for understanding how nations interact on the global stage and also one of the most discussed and contested theoretical and policy concepts in international relations. Although there are many variations of balance of power theory and interpretations of the concept, all are premised on recurrent equilibrium model. According to this model, imbalances and concentrations in military and material capabilities among the great powers are checked, and the equilibrium is restored. At its core, this concept suggests that international stability is most effectively maintained when power is distributed in such a way that no single state or alliance is strong enough to dominate all others. This distribution of military, economic, and diplomatic capabilities among nations creates a system of checks and balances that theoretically prevents hegemony (the dominance of one state over others), and promotes security for all participants in the international system. The theory operates under the assumption that the international system is anarchic, meaning there is no overarching authority to enforce rules or provide security. In such a world, states must rely on themselves and their alliances to maintain equilibrium and avoid being overpowered.
The principle involved in preserving the balance of power as a conscious goal of both domestic and foreign policy, is as old as history. The basic concept can be traced back to ancient Greece, where city-states formed shifting alliances to prevent any single city state (polis) from becoming too powerful, ensuring that power is diffused and that conflict is mitigated through strategic alliances and diplomatic engagement.
The meanings and definitions of balance of power show how difficult it is to define the concept. It has been defined differently by International Relations scholars. “The trouble with Balance of Power is not that it has no meaning, but that it has too many meanings.”—Innis L. Claude Jr. Due to the many variations of the concept, the notion of the balance of power is notoriously full of confusions – Charles P. Schleicher. It is used as a policy, as a system, as a status and as a symbol. It is also used at times as propaganda ploy. Example is evident in Donald Trump the President of U.S.A recent speech and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo publicly accusing China for the manufacturing of Covid-19 as a biological weapon in effecting and causing panic in world just to create a change in the world power order (balance of power).
To be continued
Kithsiri Senadeera
Sydney
Email:kithsirisen@hotmail.com
