Balance of Power

The balance of power is a situation in which power is distributed among states so that no single state can dominate the others. It also refers to policies through which states counter a potentially dominant power by strengthening themselves or cooperating with other states. A balance need not imply equal power; it requires sufficient countervailing power to deter domination.

How balancing works

Balance-of-power thinking is associated with the realist view that, in an international system lacking a central authority, states must protect their security through self-help.

• Through internal balancing, a state increases its military, economic or technological capabilities.
• Through external balancing, states form alliances or security partnerships against a common threat.
• States may adjust alignments when the distribution of power or the principal source of threat changes.

Patterns of balance

A balance may exist at the global or regional level, and its character depends on the number and relative capabilities of major powers.

• A bipolar balance is organised mainly around two dominant powers or blocs.
• A multipolar balance involves several major powers whose changing alignments may prevent one from achieving supremacy.
• Balancing differs from bandwagoning, in which a weaker state aligns with the stronger or threatening power rather than opposing it.

Significance and limitations

The balance of power can protect state independence and discourage hegemony, but it does not automatically produce peace.

• Countervailing capabilities may deter aggression by raising its likely costs.
• Competitive balancing can generate arms races, alliance rivalries and the security dilemma.
• Misperception of capabilities or intentions can cause deterrence and alliance calculations to fail.
• For India, the concept helps explain the importance of domestic capability-building, strategic autonomy and diversified partnerships in protecting national interests.

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