Question

What are the techniques of balance of power?

Answer 1

Alliances and Counter Alliances: Alliance-making are regarded as a principal method of balance of power. Alliance is a device by which a combination of nations creates a favourable balance of power by entering into military or security pacts aimed at augmenting their own strength vis-a-vis the power of their opponents.

Answer 2

States can pursue a policy of balance of power in two ways:

• By increasing their own power, as when engaging in an armaments race or in the competitive acquisition of territory
• Or by adding to their own power that of other states, as when embarking upon a policy of alliances.

The balance of power is therefore as central to the study of diplomatic practice as it is for the theoretical understanding of interstate relations. The balance of power is historically one of the most important concepts of international politics and the academic discipline of international relations