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 in 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 GlobalThe 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
Armament and DisarmamentArmament race between the USA and USSR in the post world war- II period Alliances and counter AlliancesIn the post World war-II, USA with its alliance formed NATO, SEATO, CENTO etc. and the USSR countered them with the Warsaw pact. Compensation and Partition Intervention and Non-Intervention Divide and Rule Buffer Status Domestic methds

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

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