Balance of Power
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
The international system tends toward a state of equilibrium, where no single country is powerful enough to dominate all others. Once a hegemony rises, other countries will automatically ally to counterbalance it.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
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The system's automatic self-correction. In office politics, if someone becomes too powerful and arrogant, you don't need to act; others will automatically form an "anti-hegemony alliance." Understanding balance of power helps explain why the "second" and "third" often join forces against the "top."
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In the international system, if one state approaches hegemony, other states will form alliances to counterbalance it, returning the system to multipolar equilibrium. Balancing can come from internal (self-strengthening) or external (alliance) means, making it difficult for any single actor to dominate.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balance_of_powerverified
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