Balance of Power

Summary

In this video, Alan Sense explains the concept of the balance of power in global politics, a central theory in international relations and political realism. He explores how states act to maintain equilibrium by balancing growing powers, either through increasing their own power or forming alliances. Using examples from history, such as pre-World War Europe and the Cold War, Sense demonstrates how this theory explains state behavior, alliances, and even war. The discussion also raises questions about the current global power structure and the future of U.S. dominance.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The balance of power is a key concept in global politics, often associated with political realism.
• ⚖️ The balance of power refers to a theory of state behavior where states act to maintain equilibrium in the international system.
• 💪 States balance power either by increasing their own power or forming alliances to prevent any one state from dominating the system.
• 🌐 Realists believe that states strive to maintain this balance to prevent conflict and preserve stability.
• ⚔️ Sometimes, maintaining the balance of power requires war, especially when a state's growth threatens the balance.
• 🔄 The balance of power is dynamic and constantly changing, as states shift alliances and adjust their strategies based on perceived threats.
• 🏛️ Historically, most balance of power systems have been multipolar, with several great powers exerting influence.
• 🛡️ After World War II, the world shifted from a multipolar system to a bipolar system, dominated by the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
• 🌎 Following the Cold War, the U.S. emerged as a unipolar power, leading to debates about whether other states would balance against it.
• 📖 The theory of the balance of power is still relevant today, as scholars debate its applicability in the contemporary unipolar world.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video series mentioned in the script?

The video series focuses on exploring key concepts and ideas central to the study of international relations and global politics.

What is the 'balance of power' theory in international relations?

The balance of power is a theory of state behavior that argues states act to maintain a balance or equilibrium of power in the international system to prevent any one state from dominating the others.

How do states typically respond if another state gains too much power?

States will act to balance against the growing power either by increasing their own power or forming alliances with other states.

What happens if states are unable to increase their own power to counterbalance a stronger state?

If states cannot increase their own power due to constraints like resources or money, they form alliances with other states to collectively balance against the growing power.

Does balancing power always lead to peace in the international system?

Not always. While maintaining a balance of power can lead to long periods of peace, sometimes it requires war, as states may go to war to prevent another from becoming too powerful.

Can alliances in the international system change over time?

Yes, alliances can shift based on changes in perceived threats or the distribution of power. For example, today B and C might form an alliance, but in the future, C and D could ally instead.

What is a multipolar system, and can you provide a historical example?

A multipolar system is one where there are multiple centers of power in the international system. An example is Europe prior to World War I, where five to seven great powers held significant influence.

What was the global power structure after World War II, and how was it different from previous eras?

After World War II, the global power structure was described as a bipolar system, with two main centers of power: the United States and the Soviet Union. This was different from previous multipolar systems where multiple countries held significant power.

What is meant by the term 'unipolar' in the context of global politics after the Cold War?

Unipolar refers to a power structure with only one dominant state, which, after the Cold War, was the United States. In this system, the U.S. acted as the hegemonic power.

What is the contemporary debate in global politics regarding the balance of power theory?

The contemporary debate focuses on whether states are balancing against the United States, which currently acts as the hegemonic power, and whether balance of power theory will hold in the future.