Haas: The Balance of Power

Haas, E., 1953. The Balance of Power: Prescription, Concept, or Propaganda. World Politics, 5(4), 442-477.

Haas explores the reemergence of the balance of power concept. This wouldn’t be problematic if the term was well defined, but it is not. “The term is defined differently by different writers; it is used in varying senses, even if not defined exactly at all; and, finally, it is the focal concept in several quite distinct theories of international relations” (442).

“Professor Hans Morgenthau, himself a well-known exponent of the balance of power theory, states that the term may carry these meanings in technical discussion: (1) a policy aimed at bringing about a certain power distribution; (2) a description of any actual state of affairs in international politics; (3) an approximately equal distribution of power internationally; and (4) a term describing any distribution of political power in international relations” (445).

Haas then highlights different verbal usages associated with the balance of power:

-distribution of power
-equilibrium
-hegemony
-stability/peace
-instability/war
-power politics
-as universal law of history
-as a system, or guide

Different ways that the balance of power is put to meaning:

-as a description
-as ideology
-as analytical tool
-as a prescription