Ernest Hass
in his article “Balance Of Power: Prescription, Concept or Propaganda?” has
tried to show the readers, the vast extent of meanings and description which
the phrase “balance of power” covers. Ernest Hass quotes a variety of authors,
statesman and political figures over their specific usage of this phrase.
One of the
meaning of balance of power is the power distribution between different states.
In this usage, there is no actual balance/equality of power between different
countries but is used to describe if one country is gaining over the other
country, in other words, there being a shift in power. So for example, Nawaz
Sharif saying that the balance of power is shifting in favor of India, would
mean that India is getting stronger, militarily, economically or in some other
way.
Another
usage of the phrase is to describe perfect equilibrium where two or more states
hold exactly the same amount of power. To me, this seems more theoretical than
practical. No two states yield the same amount of power. In sharp contrast to
this description, a state’s search for hegemony is also regarded by the author
as an alternative meaning of the phrase “balance of power.” No country would
want to be equal to the other in terms of power, always a little superior so
that it has the upper hand.
Balance of
power has also been used to mean “peace” and “war” by different people. To
some, times of peace are those where there is balance of power between states.
For others, it is period of war that represents balance of power and in times
of peace, issues are solved according to their merits.
Power
Politics has also been equated to balance of power. Here power politics means a
struggle for power and is closer to the description of a country’s search for
hegemony. However in this scenario, seeking hegemony may not be the ultimate
aim and a search for marginally greater power over the other country may be the end goal.
Through
different examples, the author gives us new perspectives on thinking about the
balance of power.
I agree with you. His essay shows us how because the statement 'balance of power' can mean 8 different things, people can manipulate it to say something else while meaning something else if they want to. His essay really made us think.
ReplyDeleteGood post and I agree that he provides us with a myriad of definitions to help understand what the balance of power actually is.
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