What is the 'balance of power' theory?

The 'balance of power' theory is fundamentally about how national security is achieved when military capabilities are distributed among various states rather than concentrated in one or two dominant powers. This theory holds that if power is balanced among various countries, then no single state will have the overwhelming force to impose its will on others, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflict and fostering stability in the international system.

A distribution of military capabilities among multiple nations prevents any one state from becoming too powerful, which could lead to aggression and potential wars. This mechanism encourages states to form alliances and counter-alliances, further promoting stability and peace by creating checks against unilateral actions by any single state.

In contrast, centralized military power, cooperation for peace without regard to power distribution, or unilateral actions by powerful states do not align with the central tenets of the balance of power theory. Each of these alternatives could lead either to dominance by a single state or to an imbalance that could precipitate conflict, undermining the theory's core principle.