Balance of Power Approach

The Concept of balance of power is also called a basic principle of

international relations.
The first explicit statement of the doctrine of balance of power is
credited to Bernardo Rucellai.
This Theory began shortly after 1500 and was most successfully applied
in the 18th and 19th Century.
No nation can live in isolation. A large number of nations with varying
degree of power exist and each nation tries to maximize its power.
The power of one group is balanced by the other opposing group.
So long as there is this type for balance, there is peace. War is due to
the existence of disequilibrium. Balance is stable when the weights in the
scales are equal
 Definitions

According to Morgenthau, The balance of power is an actual state of

affairs in which power is distributed among nations with approximate
equality.

George Schwarzenberger says, The balance of power is an

equilibrium or a certain amount of stability in international relations
Characteristics

The balance of power is subject to constant change from

equilibrium to disequilibrium.
It is not a gift of god, but is achieved by the active intention of
men.
It favors the status quo but to effective, the policy must be
changing and dynamic one.
The game of balance of power is meant for big powers only
and the small powers are like weights in a balance used by
others.
Characteristics

To keep the balance, it requires a balancer for the successful

operation of the system.
It is temporary and unstable
It is not the sure way to peace
Excessive power anywhere in the system is a threat to the
existence of other nations. So other nations must rise to this
danger and meet power with power
Types of Balance of Power

Simple Balance- Power distribution between two opposing

camps is almost equal. USA/USSR
Multiple Balance- In this system, there need not be a single
system, instead there may be many sub-systems or local
balances or power within a system
Local, Regional and Global-
The balance is local, if it is at local level. E.g. India and
Pakistan.
It is Regional, if it is an area or a continent . E.g. Europe or
Asia.
It is global or worldwide- all the countries are preparing in it
through a network of alliances and counter alliances.
Methods or Techniques of B of P
1. Armament and Disarmament-
Armament race between the USA and USSR in the post world
war- II period
2. Alliances and counter Alliances-
In the post World war-II, USA with its alliance formed
NATO, SEATO, CENTO etc. and the USSR countered them
with the Warsaw pact.
3. Compensation and Partition
Under this method certain territories are handed over to a
weak nation to add to its strength and weaken a strong
nation.
 4. Intervention and Non-Intervention-
Intervention is a dictatorial interference in the affairs of another
country to enforce some specific demands.
This can be used by a powerful state in relation to a weak state.
5. Divide and Rule -
Under this method, effort is made to keep the competitor weak
by dividing it so that it may not be able to pose any serious
challenge.
6. Buffer States
A buffer state is neutral zone between two or more states
involved in the game of balance of power.
7. Domestic methods
Relevance of Balance of Power
Principle in Modern Times

Bi-Polarity
Disappearance of Balances
Fear of Destructive war
The limitations imposed by ideology
Increasing Disparity in the Power of States
Impact of new Forces