Balance of Power Theory

Pablo Mathis

/ˈbælᵊns ɒv ˈpaʊə ˈθɪəri/

Timeframe: 01/01/1648 – 01/01/2100

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · Conflict Prevention

Key Insights

• The Balance of Power Theory suggests that states seek to prevent any single state or coalition from dominating the international system. This behavior is derived from the threat of each states’ survival. If one state gains significant power, it will take advantage of its less powerful neighbors. The theory contends that states will naturally form alliances or counter-alliances to prevent the emergence of a hegemon and to maintain relative equilibrium of powe

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