Types of Balance of Power in Global Politics with reference to US, Russia and China

 Types of Balance of Power

There are three types of balances.

1. Unipolar or Hegemonic Balance of Power.

The Unipolar Balance of Power shows that in the global system, there is one dominant state or Power, which holds significant military, economic, and cultural sway and influence in the world. The dominant state or power frames rules and norms in accordance with its national interest, which weaker states may follow, but are unable to resist or counterbalance the influence effectively exerted by the dominant state. Peace and political stability in the world usually depend on the dominant power’s policies. The US’s post-Cold War (1991-2001) policies clearly vindicated its supremacy over others. US pursued influence in global affairs, the global economy, and global security. No other power could resist US policies in the world. Unipolar or Hegemonic balance of Power revealed that one power that is United States with its allies temporarily dominated the international system, while others were too weak to counter US hegemony. During 1991 to 2015, the United States along with its strategic partners dominated and trampled the world in the name of war against terrorism with the help of Muslim countries against Muslims of Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine. It was challenged by the combination of Russia and China in the global politics.

2. Bipolar Balance of Power

Bipolar Balance means two major powers dominate and restrain each other in international politics. United State acted forcefully against Communist USSR during the era of inclement Cold War. Both powers along with their allies vehemently struggled against each other in various countries of Asia, Europe, Africa and South America through alliances and proxy conflicts. Both did not harmed or destroyed each other but executed their enmity in the fields of their allies. United States mercilessly killed millions of people in the name of containing spread of Communist Ideology South East Asia, Middle East and South America.  United States and USSR during cold war era 1945 to 1991 were leading rival blocs. During the cold war, mutual deterrence and competition shaped international relations. Peace and tranquility in the world largely depended on maintenance of their mutual interests. It was also called simple balance of power, which exists between two groups of nation of equal power. The NATO and Warsaw pact during the cold war is an example of simple balance of power. Such a type or pattern is called bipolarization. The balance of power between India and Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, and within African states is also local and simple. Persistent United State and China rivalry in the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions is shaping regional dynamics in bipolar systems with disastrous consequences for the world peace. Bipolar systems can lead to proxy conflicts.

3. Multipolar Balance of Power.

Several states of Europe maintained significant influence before the both world wars in the world. They maintained BOP through secret alliances, rivalries, and diplomatic interactions. During the 1871-1914 periods in Europe, various great powers like Britain, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia maintained the balance of power.

Multipolar systems require cooperation and diplomacy. Multipolar systems often foster international institutions and cooperation. Multipolar systems can lead to complex rivalries among various states. These systems are ideal types, and real-world scenarios often blend elements from multiple categories.

The multiple or complex balance of power exists between many States or groups of states or nations, balancing one another. It means a group of powers cooperating with each other to prevent others states dominance and influence. Currently Following the end of cold war Multipolar BOP emerged. New powerful countries like China and other states acquired the status of powerful through acquiring economic and technological advancement.  US with its allies, China, Russia, and the EU has made multipolar world. The creation of potent regional Blocks such as OIC, NAM, SCO, SAARC, ECO, and ASEAN has contributed to the maintaining of multipolar world. The major issues between the US and Russia have settled due to the policy of ex President of USSR Mickhael Gorbacheve. Balance of power operated through, Arms races, Strategic alliances, Economic measures, proxy wars, enhancing spheres of influence, and diplomatic engagement in United Nations. Present balance of power has shifted from military to economic control, technological innovations and adancement, and information warfare against each other. The European Union in order to sustain Multipolar balance of power are coordinating their policies with other states of the world. A complex balance of Power involves regional powers like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, India and external actors in the world. This type of Balance of power counld not defend the sovereignty of smaller countries like Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Qatar and other countries of Middle east by the blatant war waged by Israel with the help of United States. The other powerful countries did nothing to save these countries except issuing statement of restraint. 

Non-Polar Balance of power is visible in the global system by the actions of non-state actors like the United Nations and its agencies, public opinion and terrorist organizations in the world clandestinely supported by world countries.

Prof Dr Qayum Mangi, CSS Academy Sukkur

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