In this paper at hand, I assume that every peace settlement presents either a new regulation of an international system or a kind of fundamental change in international understanding of legitimacy and legality.
The “system concept” implies that there must be some interconnectedness between the component parts (such as states, communities etc). An entity, which is totally disconnected, cannot be a part of a system. Moreover, the concept of system implies some degree of regularity in relationships. According to Luard, “where the behaviour is entirely unpredictable, arbitrary and wayward, no system of relations can be said to exist”. (Luard 1992: 11) Luard’s assumption is “in a system, behaviour must be sufficiently consistent and regular that, over the long term, a recognisable pattern results” (Luard 1992: 12) that it appears systematic.
If a system existed, it must be demonstrated by deeds as well as words. Therefore, the preoccupation of this paper is defining the theory and than combining the theory with a historical example. The common objectives of this paper are, in the first part, to formulate the idea of “Balance of Power” which is explicitly alluded to in historical peace treaties. And to discuss “Balance of Power” as an institution of international relations and diplomacy, and to formulate different models of “Balance of Power”, so that they may be subjected to appropriate combination with historical example.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Evolution and Theory of the Balance of Power
- 3. Case Example: Congress of Vienna
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to define the theory of the balance of power and combine it with a historical example, the Congress of Vienna. It seeks to formulate the idea of "Balance of Power" as it appears in historical peace treaties, discuss it as an institution of international relations, and formulate different models of "Balance of Power" to analyze the historical example. The paper also explores the evolution of the balance of power concept throughout history, examining its relevance to maintaining international order in different eras.
- The concept of the balance of power as a system of peace in international relations.
- Different models and strategies of balancing power (hard, soft, asymmetric).
- The historical evolution of the balance of power concept from the 16th to the early 19th century.
- The role of the balance of power in the Congress of Vienna.
- The relationship between the balance of power and international order.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter lays out the paper's central objective: to define the theory of the balance of power and apply it to the historical example of the Congress of Vienna. It establishes the "system concept" in international relations, emphasizing the need for consistent and regular behavior among states. The chapter introduces three types of balancing politics: hard balancing (military buildup and alliances), soft balancing (tacit cooperation and limited security understandings), and asymmetric balancing (containing sub-national actors). It sets the stage for the subsequent chapters by outlining the research questions and the theoretical framework.
2. Evolution and Theory of the Balance of Power: This chapter traces the historical evolution of balance of power politics, beginning with the sixteenth century and the dynastic alliances of Maximilian I and Francis I. It discusses the challenges to achieving a true balance of power, particularly in the context of multipolar systems and the influence of religious conflicts. The chapter analyzes the transition from a multipolar system to a bipolar system between Spain and France, and the impact of the Peace of Westphalia. It examines Luard's five key conceptions of the balance of power system that emerged after Westphalia, highlighting the importance of flexible foreign policies, non-ideological alliances, and the acceptance of less than total victory. The chapter also touches upon debates surrounding the "Westphalian System" and its relation to sovereignty.
Keywords
Balance of Power, International Relations, Peace Settlements, Congress of Vienna, Hard Balancing, Soft Balancing, Asymmetric Balancing, International Order, System Concept, Historical Analysis, Diplomacy, State Strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this paper?
The paper focuses on the theory of the balance of power in international relations, using the Congress of Vienna as a historical case study. It examines the concept's evolution, different balancing strategies (hard, soft, and asymmetric), and its role in maintaining international order.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the definition and historical evolution of the balance of power concept, different models and strategies for balancing power, the role of the balance of power in the Congress of Vienna, the relationship between the balance of power and international order, and the application of the "system concept" in international relations.
What historical period does the paper cover?
The paper examines the evolution of the balance of power concept from the 16th century (with examples like the dynastic alliances of Maximilian I and Francis I) to the early 19th century (focusing on the Congress of Vienna).
What specific historical event is analyzed in detail?
The Congress of Vienna serves as the primary historical case study to illustrate the practical application of the balance of power theory.
What are the different types of balancing strategies discussed?
The paper distinguishes between three types of balancing politics: hard balancing (military buildup and alliances), soft balancing (tacit cooperation and limited security understandings), and asymmetric balancing (containing sub-national actors).
What is the "system concept" in international relations, as mentioned in the paper?
The "system concept" emphasizes the importance of consistent and regular behavior among states in maintaining a stable international order.
What is the significance of the Peace of Westphalia in the context of this paper?
The Peace of Westphalia is discussed as a significant turning point, influencing the transition from a multipolar to a potentially bipolar system and shaping the subsequent development of the balance of power concept.
What are the key takeaways from the chapter on the evolution of the balance of power theory?
This chapter traces the historical evolution, highlights challenges in achieving a true balance, especially in multipolar systems, and analyzes the transition between different systems. It also explores Luard's five key conceptions that emerged post-Westphalia, emphasizing flexible foreign policies, non-ideological alliances, and the acceptance of less than total victory.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Balance of Power, International Relations, Peace Settlements, Congress of Vienna, Hard Balancing, Soft Balancing, Asymmetric Balancing, International Order, System Concept, Historical Analysis, Diplomacy, and State Strategy.
What is the overall objective of this paper?
The paper aims to define the balance of power theory and apply it to the historical example of the Congress of Vienna, analyzing its role in maintaining international order and exploring its evolution throughout history.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2008, The Balance of Power. A System of Peace in European International Politics, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/346845
