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What Is Meant By ‘Balancing’ in International Relations?

Introduction The concept of balancing derives from the balance of power theory, the most influential theory from the realist school of thought, which assumes that a formation of hegemony in a multistate system is unattainable since hegemony is perceived as a threat by other states, causing them to engage in balancing against a potential hegemon.… Read More

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What Is Meant By ‘Soft Balancing’?

Introduction Soft balancing is a recent addition to balance of power theory used to describe non-military forms of balancing evident since the end of the Cold War, particularly during and after the 2003 Iraq War. Refer to Balance of Threat. Outline Soft balancing as a strategy can be attributed to the work of Robert Pape… Read More