Balance of power

Introduction
Balance of power is a theory within international relations that posits state
power is in flux and that states ensure their survival via preventing enduring
military supremacy by any one state. The central argument of the theory is that
as one state assemble power, other states cooperate through a defensive
coalition to mitigate the concentration of power. Thus, there is a constant
rebalancing of power in international affairs. Some theorists of international
relations believe that a balance of power environment is more suitable than a
dominant state system as aggression becomes less profitable and rivals create
and reset a global power equilibrium.

Definitions
“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
“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

Nature
Nature of Balance of Power
1. Some Sort of Equilibrium in Power Relations:- The term Balance of Power
suggests ‘equilibrium’ 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 temporary and unstable. A particular balance of power survives only
for a short time.
3. To be Actively Achieved:The balance of power has to be achieved by the
active intervention of men. It is not a gift of God. States cannot afford to
wait until it “happens”. They have to secure it through their efforts.
 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.
5. The Test of BOP is War: A real balance of power seldom exists. The only
test of a balance is war and when war breaks out the balance comes to
an end. War is a situation which balance of power seeks to prevent and
when it breaks out , balance of power comes to an end.
6. 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.
7. Big Powers as Actors of BOP: 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.

Assumption
There are certain assumptions of the balance of power that also operate as
conditions affecting the balance’s stability. (Quincy Wright)
1. States are committed to protecting their vital interests by all possible
means, including war, though it is up to each state to decide for itself as
to which of its rights and interests are vital and which method it should
adopt to protect them.
2. The vital interests of states are or may be threatened. If the vital
interests are not threatened, then there should be no need for a state to
protect them.
3. The balance of power helps protect the vital interests either by
threatening other states with committing aggression or by enabling the
victim to achieve victory in case aggression occurs. This assumption
means that states are not generally likely to commit aggression unless
they have superiority of power.
4. The Relative power position of various states can be measured to a great
degree of accuracy. This measurement can be utilized in balancing the
world forces in one’s favour.
5. Politicians make their foreign policy decisions based on an intelligent
understanding of power considerations.
6. One more assumption may be added to the list presented by Wright. The
balance of power assumes that there will be one balancer maintaining
splendid isolation and ready to join.
Methods
Maintaining the balance of power in international relations involves a complex
interplay of various strategies and mechanisms. The methods on how states
achieve this:
1. Alliances and Coalitions: States form strategic alliances to pool their military
and economic resources. These alliances can be formal, like NATO, or informal
agreements based on mutual interests. Alliances help deter aggression by
presenting a united front and sharing the burden of defense.
2. Arms Buildup: States invest in military capabilities to ensure they are not
easily overpowered. This includes developing advanced weaponry, maintaining
a strong standing army, and investing in defense technologies like missile
defense systems and cyber capabilities.
3. Diplomacy: Diplomacy involves negotiations, treaties, and international
agreements that manage state relations and prevent conflicts. Diplomatic
efforts can include arms control agreements, such as the Strategic Arms
Reduction Treaty (START), which limits the number of nuclear weapons.
4. Economic Policies: States use economic measures like trade agreements,
tariffs, and sanctions to influence the balance of power. For example, economic
sanctions can weaken a rival state's economy, reducing its ability to project
power. Conversely, trade agreements can create interdependencies that
discourage conflict.
5. Buffer States: Establishing or supporting neutral territories between
powerful rivals can prevent direct conflicts. For example, the demilitarized zone
(DMZ) between North and South Korea acts as a buffer to reduce the likelihood
of direct military engagement.
6. International Organizations: Platforms like the United Nations, the World
Trade Organization (WTO), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) help
create international norms and rules that prevent dominance by any single
state. These organizations facilitate cooperation, conflict resolution, and the
enforcement of international law.
7. Balance through Deterrence: States maintain credible deterrent capabilities,
such as nuclear arsenals, to dissuade potential aggressors. The concept of
mutually assured destruction (MAD) during the Cold War is an example, where
both the US and the Soviet Union maintained enough nuclear weapons to
guarantee a devastating retaliation if attacked.
8. Regional Integration: Regional organizations like the European Union (EU)
promote economic and political integration, reducing the likelihood of conflict
among member states and creating a collective entity that can balance against
external powers.
By employing these multifaceted strategies, states work to ensure that no
single entity gains overwhelming power, maintaining a stable and balanced
international order.

Role and relevance of balance of power

1.Preventing Dominance: By ensuring that no single state or alliance becomes
too powerful, the balance of power prevents any one entity from imposing its
will on others, thereby maintaining international stability and peace.
2.Promoting Stability: It creates a check on the ambitions of states,
discouraging aggressive expansion and reducing the likelihood of major
conflicts or wars. When power is balanced, states are more likely to cooperate
and resolve disputes through diplomatic means.
3.Encouraging Alliances: States form alliances to counterbalance the power of
potentially threatening states. These alliances can deter aggression and
promote collective security.
4.Maintaining Sovereignty: Smaller or weaker states can maintain their
sovereignty and independence by aligning with stronger powers or through
collective security arrangements, preventing subjugation by more powerful
neighbors.
5.Dynamic Nature: The balance of power is not static; it evolves with changes
in the relative power of states due to economic growth, military advancements,
technological progress, and demographic changes. This dynamic nature
requires constant adjustment of policies and alliancesRole and relevance
6.Modern Implications: In contemporary international relations, the balance of
power continues to be relevant as nations navigate a multipolar world with
emerging powers like China and India, alongside traditional powers like the
United States and European Union.
Overall, the balance of power is a foundational principle that helps to
understand and navigate the complexities of international relations, aiming to
promote a stable and peaceful global order.

Critical Evaluation of Balance of Power:

Balance of Power: Arguments in Favour:
(1) A Source of Stability in International Relations: Balance of Power provides
stability to international relations. It is a device of effective power management
and peace. During the past 400 years it was successful, at most of the times, in
preserving peace.
(2) It suits the real nature of International Relations: Balance of Power is in
tune with the dynamic nature of international relations. It helps continuous
adjustments and re-adjustments in relations without any grave risk of war
among states.
(3) Ensures Multiplicity of States: Since Balance of Power postulates the
presence of a number of major international actors (7 or 8 even more), it
ensures multiplicity of nations and their active participation in preserving b(4)
Guarantees the Freedom of Small States:
(4)Balance of Power ensures the preservation of small and weak states. Its rule
that no nation is to be completely eliminated, favours the continued existence
of all states. Each state feels secure about its security in the balance of power
system.
(5) Balance of Power Discourages War: Balance of Power discourages war
because each state knows that any attempt to become unduly powerful shall
invoke an action, even war, by all other states and hence, it keeps its ambitions
under control.
Balance of Power: Arguments Against:
(1) Balance of Power cannot ensure Peace: Balance of Power does not
necessarily bring peace it failed to prevent the domination of small states by
the big states. It was not successful in preserving the security of small states. In
fact, in the past, wars have been fought in the name of preservation of Balance
of Power.
(2) States are not Static Units: Each state always tries to secure more and more
national power. They increase their power through military aggressions, seizure
of territory and alliances. They can change their power from within by
improving social organisation, by industrializing and by mobilizing internal
resources. So the traditional mechanism of the balance of power is not the only
cause responsible for an increase of power.
(4) Narrow Basis: The concept of Balance of Power is based upon a narrow view
of international relations. It regards power-relations as the whole of
international relations. It gives near total importance to preservation of self
and national-interest as the motives of all state actions. It fails to give proper
weight age to other ends—social, economic, cultural and moral, that provide
strong motives to international relations.
(5) Uncertainty of Balance of Power: Morgenthau criticizes Balance of Power
for its uncertainty. Balance of Power is uncertain because its operation
depends upon an evaluation of power of various nations. In practice it is not
possible to have an absolutely correct evaluation of power of a state.
8) Balance of Power is Unreal: Since the evaluation of the national power of a
nation is always uncertain, no nation can afford dependence upon the balance
of power. Each nation always keeps a secret about its power. Since all nations
keep safe margins, the balance of power at a particular time is always unreal.
(9) Inadequacy of Balance of Power: Balance of Power in itself is an inadequate
device of international peace and security. It even accepts war as a means for
maintaining a balance. Fear cannot be a real basis of international relations.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the balance of power is crucial in international relations to
prevent any single state from becoming too dominant, thereby maintaining
global stability and peace. It involves strategic alliances and diplomatic efforts
to ensure power is distributed evenly among nations. Although challenging to
maintain, this balance is essential for avoiding hegemony and promoting a
multipolar world.