by Prof. Gordon L. Bowen, Ph.D.
Balance of Power: "In a balance of power system, the essential norms of the system are clear to each of the state actors... If an essential actor does not follow these norms, the balance-of-power system may become unstable. If the number of states declines to three, stability is threatened, because coalitions between any two are possible, which would leave the third alone and weak. When alliances are formed in balance-of-power systems, they are formed for a specific purpose, have a short duration, and shift according to advantage rather than ideology. Any wars that break out are probably limited in nature, designed to preserve the balance of power."
Karen Mingst, Essentials of International Relations third edition (NY: Norton, 2004): 88.
Basic Norms of a balance-of-power system:
Any actor or coalition that tries to assume dominance must be constrained.
States want to increase their capabilities by acquiring territory, increasing their population, or developing economically.
Negotiating is better than fighting.
Fighting is better than failing to increase capabilities, because no one else will protect a weak state.
Other states are viewed as potential allies.
States seek their own national interests defined in terms of power.
Karen Mingst, Essentials of International Relations third edition (NY: Norton, 2004): 88.
"The term balance of power... refers to a system in which any shift away from equilibrium leads to counter-shifts through mobilization of countervailing power... In short, states cannot be trusted with power, for they will be tempted to abuse it. Unrestrained power in the system constitutes a menace to all other member states. Power is therefore the best antidote to power. Power begets countervailing power... The first aim is the protection of the security of each state, not the preservation of peace... [P]eace is the byproduct of a balance that is acceptable to the leading powers because it ensures their individual security... The second aim of countervailing power is the protection of the international system as a whole.... The way to ensure each state's security and independence is to prevent the emergence of any preponderant state... Balance of power policies are the norm for states... [T]he system imposes a high degree of uniformity of behavior. Similar basic interests and motivations are ascribed to all members. The behavior required by their existence in an anarchical international system overrides different national attributes... [T]he system places limits on policy choices...[T]he policy options depend on external realities."
John Spanier and Robert Wendzel, Games Nations Play ninth edition (Washington DC: CQ Press, 1996): 109-113.
Balance of power, thus, is one type of system. We should not mistake the qualities of relationships in such a system for being the proper or permanent nature of relationships in all systems. For more on the related concept of alliance, follow this link.