Introduction:
The concept of balance of power and the balance of power definition is historically recognized in international politics. The principle of balance of power is regarded as a key feature of international relations and an important innovation in international politics. But this idea is neither easily plausible nor entirely accurate. If a group of states or a state becomes more powerful than other states, then that state or group of states can become dangerous to the freedom and security of other states.
It is very natural for an aggressive attitude to arise in that state or coalition. But if a few powerful states or alliances exist in the world, no state or alliance dares to attack another state or alliance at once. As a result, the independence and sovereignty of states are more secure and protected in international politics. Therefore, it is necessary to know the strategies for maintaining the balance of power and to have a proper knowledge of its function in international politics.
Balance of Power Definition:
Balance of Power definition; that can generally be described by scales. In international relations, balance of power refers to a balance between independent states in which no single power is allowed to become so powerful that it poses a threat to others.
Quincy Wright said, “The balance of power is a system that creates a belief among each state that if one state becomes an aggressor, it will face an invincible coalition of other states.”
Prof. George Schwarzenberger in his book ‘Politics’ says, “Balance of power is such a proper balance of power among the members of a state family that prevents anyone from becoming so powerful that it cannot impose its will on the others.”
Characteristics of Balance of power:
Analyzing the balance of power theory, some of its characteristics are observed, which are discussed below:
- Balance of power means a state of balance.
- Balance of power cannot in any case be regarded as a gift of God.
- It is a dynamic and changing theory.
- Balance of power situations can be interpreted in both practical and subjective terms.
- It is difficult to say whether a balance of power has ever been established and is tested by war.
- The theory of Balance of power is mainly limited to large energy fields.
Strategies for maintaining Balance of power:
The power-equilibrium system is not automatic but requires different strategies to maintain it. According to the theory of balance of power, if the power of a state suddenly increases to such an extent that it appears to be a threat to the security of other states, then to maintain the balance, they have to either increase their power or reduce the power of that state. As a result of this process, various strategies have emerged to maintain the balance of power; which are discussed below:
1. Alliances:
Alliances are alliances between two or more countries to promote their interests to maintain the balance of power. It is one of the main strategies for maintaining power balance. Prof. Morgenthau said, “Alliances are a necessary function of the balance of power operating within a multistate system.” Consensus on questions of interest is first and foremost necessary for building alliances.
Alliances between completely disparate states cannot be formed except in critical situations. For example, during World War II, the Grand Alliance between the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union was formed to counter Germany. In the same way, whenever the Arab states face an attack or threat from their common enemy, Israel, they develop a friendly attitude, but when the danger passes temporarily, they again engage in disputes among themselves.
2. Armaments and Disarmament:
One of the ways to maintain the balance of power is that whenever one state increases its power, its opponents arm themselves. As a result, the state that insisted on increasing power will be deterred from doing so. By this, the opponents will not resort to arms and the balance of power will be established.
But in practice, it is often ignored. The outbreak of World War I is a prime example of this. Therefore, the peace-loving people of the world have demanded that the balance of power should be maintained not by arms but by disarmament. But the reality is that the great powers of the world are in a strong position by force of arms, they do not want to give up their advantageous position through disarmament, thereby disrupting the balance of power.
3. Compensation:
Reparations in international relations refer to a system by which a state increases its power by conquering a state to correct the imbalance of power between that state and another state by conquering another state or part of a state occupied by a rival state. Undone. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, this principle was widely used to maintain the balance of power. When the New Imperialism began in the late 19th century, the European great powers divided almost the entire African continent and China among themselves to maintain their balance of power, the most notorious example of the policy of reparations.
4. Buffer States:
A small state located between two large but opposing states geographically, which prevents direct conflict between the two, is called a buffer state or buffer state. For example, we can mention Belgium, which is located between the rival countries France and Germany. Such small states between different big powers play a great role in maintaining the balance of power between them. So the need for such a state is undeniable.
5. Intervention:
Another method of maintaining a balance of power is interference by one state in the internal affairs of another state in the interest of its balance of power. This intervention usually takes place by a more powerful state against a less powerful state. For example, Britain intervened in Greece after World War II. Because he feared that Greece might move into the socialist bloc, on the other hand, America intervened in Latin America’s Guatemala, Dominican Republic, etc. Although mediation is an effective strategy for maintaining the balance of power, it is not morally justifiable.
6. Divide and Rule:
Another strategy to maintain the balance of power is divide and rule. Through this principle, if a state or alliance is more powerful, its opponent tries to maintain the balance by removing or isolating the more powerful state from the friendly state or allied states. For example, one of the goals of France’s foreign policy was to prevent Germany from remaining united. Their policy was always in favor of a divided Germany. Similarly, the Soviet Union was always against a united Europe.
Role and reality of the balance of power in international politics:
Balance of power is a multifaceted concept in international politics. It acts differently in different regions to stabilize the entire world’s politics. Therefore, the effectiveness and reality of the balance of power in international politics can be analyzed below.
Balance of power principle in the case of small states:
At the local level, the effective balance of power between two neighboring states can be observed in various parts of the world today. For example, the balance of power between Israel and the Arab world, the balance of power between the United States and France, etc. However, the best example of the balance of power theory in the post-Cold War era is Pakistan’s nuclear explosion in response to India’s nuclear explosion in 1998.
Power-Balance Policy at the Regional Level:
If we look at history, we see that until the World War, the principle of balance of power was mainly confined to the European powers. This principle of equality was developed to ensure that no European state could become more powerful and destroy the freedom and sovereignty of another or other states.
But in the post-World War II era, we see this concept in South and Southeast Asia, Indo-China, the Middle East, and Latin America. And this is how the balance of power theory is widely discussed in international politics.
Continental Power Balance:
During the post-World War II and Cold War periods, the conflict between the capitalist states of Western Europe and the socialist camp of the eastern part of Europe created a paradigm of continental balance of power. In this case, both parts of Europe joined conflicting alliances for ideological reasons and tried hard to maintain the balance of power.
Intercontinental energy balance:
In today’s world, although the previous importance of the principle of balance of power has decreased, it can be seen that the resistance of the world’s single superpower, China in Asia, sometimes Russia in Europe, sometimes France-Germany, reminds us of the principle of balance of power and it is called intercontinental balance of power. can be caught Moreover, competition between continental economic alliances is also reminiscent of this principle.
Global Energy-Balance Principle:
After World War II, balance of power politics was widely discussed and observed worldwide. The emergence of the Soviet Union and the United States of America as superpowers and balancing states in international politics, and subsequently the independence of subjugated countries in many regions of Asia and Africa, resulted in the reduction of absolute dominance in international politics.
It is for these reasons that the concept of power equality has now become a global concept. Various analysts-researchers believe that if there is a lack of balance in the global power balance, it is possible to fill that lack with the balance of local, regional, continental, or intercontinental power.
Conclusion:
Since ancient times, balance of power has been considered a positive means for world peace and stability. After the 16th century, it was able to preserve the independence of various countries, as they could then join together in alliances or counter-alliances. In particular, the end of the Cold War has ushered in a change in the balance of power. The balance of power through military armaments is now obsolete. Economics is controlling the current world politics. Therefore, instead of forming military alliances in the present world, states are more interested in forming economic alliances.