POLI 244 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Security Dilemma, Appeasement, Hard Power
30 Oct 2018
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Document Summary
A situation in which power is distributed equally (material power being distributed equally among great powers) A systemic tendency of international system (as long as they are anarchic) towards equilibrium (balance of power theory) Security - states look for a balanced distribution of power which deters war. Use foreign policy to maintain the balance of power (realign and act in accordance - attack state or build up power capabilites) These kinds of states are power-gap minimizers (no power that becomes excessively powerful making the gap dangerous) Example: great britain in the 19th century, isolated from the continent and could intervene against whomever in order to ensure the balance of power was preserved within the continent. Made gb a unlikely and unappealing alliance as they were willing to intervene against anyone they thought were becoming too powerful. Produce an unbalance distribution of power (titled in their favour)
