In International Relations, BoP is defined as the distribution of equal power among nations. When the power is more or less equally distributed, then no one state can dominate others and no state feels threatened. Balance of Power theory says if one state becomes powerful, then it will attack the weaker state thereby providing an opportunity to the threatened states to form a defensive coalition. Sidney Fay describes it as just equilibrium so that none of the nations become strong to exert its will or force on another state. Inis Claude explains it as “a system in which some nations regulate their power relations without any interference by any big power”. The logic behind Balance of Power theory is that there is no world government. And each state has to rely on its own resources and strategies to prevent being attacked from another. So when a country faces threat from a powerful country, it either mobilizes its own resources or it gets into an alliance with other states so as to balance the adversary.
Richard Cobden (1867) commented, “The balance of power of power is a chimera. It is not a fallacy, a mistake, an imposture- it is an undescribed, indescribable, incomprehensible nothing; mere words, conveying to the mind not ideas, but sounds.” Even the rules or the basic principles propounded by the balance of power theorists are not applicable in the ever-changing scenario of international relations. For example, the principles propounded by Morton Kaplan in 1957 hardly hold today. Prof. Palmer and Perkins pointed out the difficulties that balance of power faced in a bipolarized world.
1. The confusing bipolar-multiplier pattern of power and the disappearance of a balancer.
2. The sudden increase in the power of the offensive over the defensive and the character and the frightening implications of total war.
3. Ideological considerations and other less tangible elements of power.
4. The increasing disparities in the power of the states, with the superpowers becoming more powerful and the lesser states becoming weaker, at least in relative terms.
BoP as a tool to maintain international peace and stability is relevant because:-
i) BoP is a source of stability in international system. Fredric Geniz remarked “BoP has many a times prevented a war. War breaks out only when any state assumes excessive power”.
ii) It aids in adjustments and readjustments so as to prevent the outbreak of war.
iii) Multiple states participate to maintain the status quo and it often leads to bipolarity or multipolarity in the international system.
iv) Small states enjoy the public goods such as law and order, international peace, security being offered in the balance.
v) It discourages war. Usually a counter alliance exists to counter the threat of a hegemonic alliance. A strong opposition limits the excessive power of either party.
vi) It is a source of peace and world order. From 1815-1914, it successfully prevented war.
International relations have undergone a sea change. BoP has not become completely obsolete. Critics of BoP like Martin Wright and Friendrich also admit that BoP is still a fundamental element in international relations.
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