Introduction
“To some, power balancing is the inevitable and conflict-ridden by-product of anarchy and insecurity; to others, it is the unifying principle of a stable and cooperative international society” (Ikenberry 2008, p. 1). Ikenberry’s definition of power balance in international relations shows that, the concept is understood in different ways.
However, power balance (in international relations) is an ancient ideology which defines how states, cities and regions relate. In fact, the rivalry of most world powers is best understood through the lens of “power balance” (Little 2007, p. 1).
In modern international relations, a balance of power can only be achieved if states attain a level of stability among themselves. This level of stability is attained in the absence of competition. Realistically, many states have failed to achieve this equilibrium.
The concept of power balance is enshrined in a political system that defines the behavior of states in the system (Ikenberry 2008, p. 1). A balance of power is often desirable because; in its presence, the likelihood that one state takes advantage of another is low (or non-existent).
When a group of states (or one state) increases its power, other states are likely to retaliate by increasing their powers too (Ikenberry 2008, p. 1). It is an endless cycle of power struggle which is defined by the doctrines of equality (Sheehan 1996). Naturally, the doctrine of equality is cemented in the fact that, states would want to ensure they are secure (first) before tackling any other nationalistic agendas.
Since the 17th century, there have been many examples of power balance tussles (Ikenberry 2008, p. 1). However, this paper focuses on the Russia–America cold war and the US-led invasion of Iraq (in 2003) as the main examples of power balance conflicts in present times. These two cases will be used as examples to understand the concept of balance of power.
Cold War
The US and Russia were embroiled in a complicated balance of power tussle which was fueled by ideological, economic, and political differences (Ross 1993, p. 138). Many observers say that, the biggest difference between the two states was the difference in political systems (Ross 1993, p. 138).
Russia was a communist state and the US was a capitalist state. This difference often saw the two countries disagree on many issues, including the Cuban missile crisis that almost sent the two countries to war. The US and Russia could barely agree on any policy issue.
The conflict between the US and Russia started when the US was displeased by Russia’s resolve to withdraw from World War I (Mayall 1980, p. 161). Moreover, the US did not condone Russia’s political, social and economic systems, which were based on communism.
The US saw the communist system as a threat to its national security. For instance, the US worried about Russia’s growing influence in Europe (after the defeat of the Nazi Germany) because it already had a strong political and economic dominance in the region.
This worry was especially strong because the US knew that its political and economic ideologies were very different from Russia, and with Russia’s growing influence in Europe, its influence in Europe would be undermined (Ross 1993, p. 138).
These fears were rife when Russia and the US competed for international influence. US’s fear in this balance of power tussle is highlighted in earlier sections of this study, where it is noted that, in a balance of power tussle, states often strive to ensure they are secure, above all nationalistic issues.
The tense relations between Russia and America sparked the cold war, which was waged through military dominance. This balance of power tussle saw Russia detonate its first atomic weapon. This event marked the end of US’s autonomy of possessing nuclear weapons (Pandey 2009, p. 5).
The post-Nazi period marked the start of the cold war, where the US and Russia embarked on developing military armory (notably nuclear weapons). This military supremacy battle went on until the fall of the communism regime in 1991. The fall of communism marked the end of the cold war (Pandey 2009, p. 5).
From the above analysis, we see that, the US and Russia were engaged in a balance of power tussle that saw the two states striving to command a strong international influence over the other. Notably, this international influence was exercised in Europe, where the US and Russia strived to maintain a strong international influence.
Both states felt threatened by one other because they had opposing ideologies regarding most political and economic issues. However, with the fall of communism and USSR, the US warmed up to Russia, and the cold war ended.
This period marked the equilibrium of power between the two nations. This equilibrium is often marked with a feeling of security and an absence of military threats (Brown 2001, p. 106).
Iraq Invasion
The US-led war on Iraq is a historic war of the 21st century because it exhibits the concept of the balance of power in international relations. Though the war was won by ousting the long-serving Iraqi ruler, Saddam Hussein; the main objective of the mission (which was to eliminate weapons of mass destruction) was not achieved.
The US believed that, Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, but it failed to validate these accusations after attacking Iraq (Pandey 2009, p. 5). This justification for war is part of a wider understanding of balance of power in international relations because, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the US became increasingly dominant in international politics.
Its military strength became virtually unrivaled and therefore, it wielded immense political and economic influence over other nations (Pandey 2009, p. 5). More so, this power was vested in the formation of NATO which acts as a military powerhouse for member states.
However, when analyzing the concept of balance of power (in the context of the Iraq war), we should perceive the US-led invasion on Iraq as an extreme consequence of power imbalance. This analogy is true because the US decided to invade Iraq despite UN’s disapproval of the invasion.
Records show that, most of the major world powers, such as, France, Germany, China and Russia opposed the invasion but the US went ahead to invade Iraq, anyway (Pandey 2009, p. 5). This domination is explained as, a consequence of power imbalance because the US wields a lot of power over other states in the world.
From this understanding, the US is able to impose its will over other nations. In relation to this analogy, Pandey (2009) explains that, “In International Relations, an equilibrium of power is sufficient to discourage or prevent one nation from imposing its will on or interfering with the interests of another” (p. 5).
Due to the imbalance of power between the US and other states, the US was able to impose its will over other states by invading Iraq.
The Iraq war is just an example of the gap in military power that exists between the US and major world powers (which even small states can do nothing to counterbalance). The US-led invasion in Iraq therefore reiterates the importance of striving for a balance of power among states because, if this equilibrium is not achieved, a sense of dominance will be witnessed.
Conclusion
The concept of power balance in international relations has never been more important than when trying to understanding how different states relate. This paper gives an example of the hostile relations that existed between the US and Russia, and the US-led invasion in Iraq as modern-day examples of the understanding of balance of power in international relations.
Considering the events that preceded the collapse of the USSR and the end of the cold war, we see that, there was an imbalance of power between the US and Russia before the collapse of the USSR. After the collapse of the USSR, there was a balance of power that improved diplomatic relations between the US and Russia.
On the flip side, we have witnessed the extremes of power imbalance between the US and other world nations, which saw the US, influence the decision to invade Iraq. From these examples, this paper highlights the importance of attaining a balance of power among world nations. If such an equilibrium is not achieved, powerful states will always impose their will over other states.
References
Brown, C. (2001) Understanding International Relations. London, Palgrave Macmillan.
Ikenberry, J. (2008) The Balance of Power in International Relations: Metaphors, Myths, and Models. Web.
Little, R. (2007) The Balance Of Power In International Relations: Metaphors, Myths And Models. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Mayall, J. (1980) The End Of The Post-War Era: Documents On Great-Power Relations, 1968-1975. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Pandey, S. (2009) Concept of Balance of Power in International Relations. Web.
Ross, R. (1993) China, the United States, and the Soviet Union: Tripolarity and Policy Making In the Cold War. New York, M.E. Sharpe.
Sheehan, M. (1996) The Balance Of Power: History And Theory. London, Routledge.