The Balance of Power phenomena roughly refers
to stability between competing forces, in the sphere of International Relation,
it denotes to the power dynamics between states. As described by Ernst B. Haas the notion of Balance
of Power is so broad that it is difficult to come up with a single definition.
Therefore, he points out eight different descriptions of the term as explained
by renowned scholars before him. These range from the distribution of power to
Universal Law of History, encompassing varying aspects of the International
State of Affairs. As a matter of fact, the overlapping substance between these
different definitions continues to recede as we move towards the narrower
classifications.
Furthermore, Haas argues that the manner in
which Balance of Power is defined by various authors has four distinct
objectives behind it. In simple terms it may be just descriptive however it may
(whether consciously or not) have propaganda associated with it. For instance,
it may support a particular ideology and hence have a biased approach. Other intentions
include applying the theory as a tool of analysis. Similarly, it may also be
used as a guide for forming foreign policy.
Although the theory has evolved to accumulate
many different meanings and that too for many different purposes, there is a
need to direct the theory if not unify it in its early stages of development. Balance
of Power is an important theory when assessing International Relations but its
multi-faceted nature is a cause of disagreement amongst political scholars. This
makes theoretical study of International Relations questionable.
No matter how many disagreements the scholars have over the definition of balance of power, the notion of it being allocated a central position in the field of IR stands strong.
ReplyDeleteI believe that in the modern world where every other country is emerging as a nuclear power, it is essential to devise a way to check power and maintain world order to promote harmony in the world. The weak will be continuously oppressed while the strong would unceasingly accumulate resources and power and in doing so compromise sovereignty of other nation states. Thus, the world is in dire need of institutions that maintain order and prevent powerful states from clouding their policies.
Defining the precise nature of the "balance of power" may be contentious, but I think we need to establish at least a basic understanding of what the term means so that we can talk about IR. I think recognizing that balancing does occur in a variety of ways is important, even if we can't agree upon exactly how states balance or what the concept fully means.
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