Table of Contents
Balance of Power and Balance of Threat
Introduction
The concepts of balance of power and balance of threat are central to theories of international security. Both concern how states respond to the capabilities and behaviour of other states.
Balance of Power
Balance of Power: A condition or strategy in which power is distributed among states in a manner that prevents one state from becoming overwhelmingly dominant.
The concept can refer to:
- A distribution of capabilities
- A foreign-policy strategy
- A process of responding to changes in power
- An expected condition of relative equilibrium
Balancing
Balancing: Actions undertaken by states to prevent another state from gaining excessive power.
Internal Balancing: Strengthening one’s own capabilities through military, economic, technological or other national resources.
External Balancing: Building alliances or partnerships to offset another state’s power.
Balancing Coalition: A group of states cooperating to counter a stronger state.
Bandwagoning
Bandwagoning: A strategy in which a weaker state aligns with a stronger or dominant power rather than attempting to balance against it.
Balancing and bandwagoning are therefore different responses to unequal distributions of power.
Soft and Hard Balancing
Hard Balancing: Direct efforts to counter another state’s capabilities, often through military expansion or formal alliances.
Soft Balancing: Efforts to constrain a powerful state through diplomatic coalitions, international institutions or limited strategic cooperation without direct military confrontation.
Balance of Threat
The Balance of Threat theory, associated particularly with Stephen Walt, argues that states tend to balance against perceived threats rather than simply against aggregate power.
Threat perception can be influenced by:
- Aggregate power
- Geographic proximity
- Offensive capabilities
- Perceived intentions
Threat vs Power
A state may possess substantial power without being perceived as the greatest threat.
Conversely, a less powerful state may be viewed as threatening because of geographic proximity, military posture, offensive capabilities or perceived intentions.
Alliance Politics
Alliance: A formal or informal relationship between states involving cooperation for common interests, particularly security.
Alliance Formation: The process through which states establish security partnerships.
Alliance Balancing: Formation or strengthening of alliances to offset another state’s power or threat.
Counterbalancing: Efforts to prevent a state from acquiring excessive influence or strategic advantage.
Balance and Stability
Supporters of balance-of-power approaches argue that a relatively balanced distribution of power can discourage domination and reduce incentives for aggression.
However, balancing can also contribute to competition, arms races and security dilemmas.
Key Distinctions
Balance of Power vs Balance of Threat: Balance of power emphasizes relative capabilities; balance of threat emphasizes perceived threats.
Internal vs External Balancing: Internal balancing strengthens national capabilities; external balancing relies on alliances or partnerships.
Balancing vs Bandwagoning: Balancing counters a stronger actor; bandwagoning aligns with it.
Hard vs Soft Balancing: Hard balancing relies more directly on military or strategic capabilities; soft balancing relies more heavily on diplomatic and institutional constraints.
Key Terms at a Glance
Balance of Power | Balancing | Internal Balancing | External Balancing | Bandwagoning | Balancing Coalition | Hard Balancing | Soft Balancing | Balance of Threat | Alliance | Counterbalancing | Threat Perception | Relative Power
Related Glossaries
Power in International Relations | Hegemony and Polarity | International Security | Alliances and Strategic Groupings | Security Dilemma | Major Powers