Balance Of Power Theory

The balance of power is where the nations all over the world have as close to equal power as they can get. The dictionary describes the balance of power to be the power held by a small group when larger groups are of equal strength. The point of the balance of power is to make sure that one state or nation is not stronger than the other. If one nation become stronger and gains more power, the thought is that they will then take advantage of that power and attack weaker nations. The theory of balance of power is a good thing because it keeps the opportunity for one nation or state to dominate and take over several weaker nations or states. The balance of power will create a situation where many states will come together, with one another, with

An example where the balance of power was forming was in England when they decided on a foreign policy that would preserve the balance between Spain and France, that later evolved into the balance-of-power policy. There have been many attempts to falsify the balance of power theory there have been some realists to point to the cases in international systems other than modern Europe where balancing failed. Balance of power was first put into effect at the international level in Europe in the 17th century, in the aftermath of the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. This peace formalized a system that had been emerging among the great powers of Europe throughout the early part of the century, including the recognition of state sovereignty in the international system. States, eager to find paths to secular peace after roughly a century of wars based on religious and ideological differences, gradually embraced the logic that underpins balance of power theory, and by the end of the 17th century, it was the approach of European nation-states to international relations and foreign policy. During this time, Britain became quite familiar with working this system to its advantage, routinely playing the role of balancer to keep hegemonic aspirations in check and to make itself a central power in determining what the balance would be in the European system. This is a role that Britain would continue to play throughout the 17th and 18th centuries and