CONTEMPORARY EURASIA IX ( 2 )
believe that balance of power , on the whole , is to prevent any state to gain or achieve universal hegemony .
Morgenthau identifies four methods of implementing the balancing process . The first one is ‘ divide and rule .’ The crux of it is to divide states , the power into several parts in order to maintain their weakness . As separate units , they would have less power than they would if united . 23 Victoria Tin-bor Hui , one of the contributors to the theory , believes that the essence of this method is to maintain a hierarchy , rather than create it . 24
The second method is ‘ compensation .’ Morgenthau explains that in the eighteen and nineteen centuries , territorial compensation for preserving the balance of power , which was disturbed because of another country ’ s territorial aspirations , was a common thing .
The third method is about ‘ armaments ,’ in particular arms races between nations when one state increases its armaments and the other one tries to not only keep up with it but also exceed the latter . Albert Pollard believes that undoubtedly the balance of power stimulates the demand for arms , which primarily benefits arms dealers . 25 Morgenthau calls this continuous arms race and increase of military preparations “ unstable , the dynamic balance of power .” 26
The fourth method of carrying on the balancing process is through alliances . Morgenthau defines this as the most important manifestation of the balance of power . In turn , Randall Schweller defines balancing as “… the forging of alliances to prevent or deter the territorial occupation or the political and military domination of the state by a foreign power or coalition .” 27 Morgenthau singles out two possible ways to forge an alliance : i . alliance vs . world domination ( an alliance against one potential stronger power , which strives to achieve universal dominance ), ii . alliance vs . counter alliance ( where one or both have imperialistic aspirations ). 28 The classic example of this is the rival alliances of the twentieth century , most particularly the Entente and Triple Alliance .
In this context , Stephen Walt mentions that when states enter an alliance , they have two options : to balance or bandwagon . According to
23 Morgenthau , Politics among nations : the struggle for power and peace .
24
Victoria T . Hui , War and State Formation in Ancient China and Early Modern Europe ( Cambridge : Cambridge University Press , 2005 ).
25
Albert F . Pollard , “ The Balance of Power ,” Journal of the British Institute of International Affairs 2 , no . 2 , ( 1923 ): 21-64 . 26 Morgenthau , Politics among nations : the struggle for power and peace , 136 .
27
Randall L . Schweller , Unanswered Threats : Political Constraints on the Balance of Power , ( Princeton : Princeton University Press , 2006 ), 9 . 28 Morgenthau , Politics among nations : the struggle for power and peace .
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