Balance of power has taken upon various meanings in the IR
theorizing. Hass, in “The Balance of Power: Prescription, Concept, or Propaganda”
tries to clarify the verbal differences in meaning and the applied meanings of
the term. Due to the variation that the term carries, Hass has first divided
the meaning in 8 sets which is further classified under 4 main areas of
application of the term and the intentions of the users (context of the writing
and statesmen examined).
I. Meanings and
Connotations:
1. Distribution of Power
2. Equilibrium; an exact equilibrium of power between two or
more contending parties
3. Hegemony
4. Stability and Peace; peace and stability are identical
with a balance of power
5. Instability and War; balance of power synonymous with war,
competition and instability.
6. Power politics
7. Universal Law of History; manifestation of the primitive
instinct of "self-defense”
8. System and Guide to Policy Making; Statesmen were
represented as acting in accordance with the prescriptions of the balance of
power
II. Intentions and
Applications:
1. Descriptive intent; in discussing international affairs,
the terminology is used for theoretical or analytical purpose and the meaning
can vary from distribution of power to equilibrium or hegemony, purely in
descriptive terms.
2. Propagandistic (conscious/unconscious); defining the term
in terms of ideological phrase or a propagandistic slogan and equating it with
peace or war; used to explain policies in terms of natural laws, in terms of
moral rightness, e.g. War on terror.
3. Analytical concept; the term used as a tool of analysis,
the possible separation from the governments’ motivation. The supreme attempt
to use the balance of power as an analytical concept arises in the case of
those writers who make the balance the essence of a theory of international
relations.
4. Guide to foreign policy making; balance of power is or
should be a guiding principle for decision-making on the part of governments
(system and guide to policy making), e.g. bi-lateral trade treaties.
Hass, has provided a fruitful understanding of the concept
of Balance of Power; it carries with it various connotations, all which are
integral to get a holistic understanding of the terminology. The four
categories which encompass all the various meanings can be considered to be mutually
exclusive. Hass rightly states that each meaning and intention needs to be
considered separately in the specific context but overall, all the categories
are essential and carry equal relevance in constructing an IR theory.
Anam, I like that you provide a holistic summary of the piece. But it would have been nice to see more of your views on the piece and how you think it helps us understand international relations. Nonetheless, good job engaging the piece and getting it in early!
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