balance of power
C1Formal, Academic, Political
Definition
Meaning
A situation where power is equally distributed among rival states or groups, preventing any one from becoming dominant.
A state of stability in a system (international relations, politics, organizations) achieved through a distribution of power among competing parties, or the principle/policy of maintaining such a state.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a singular noun phrase, often with the definite article 'the'. It describes a dynamic condition or a desired policy outcome rather than a static object.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Conceptually identical. Minor differences in collocational frequency; more prevalent in British discourse on European history.
Connotations
Both varieties strongly associate it with international relations theory (Realism) and history.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in political/academic contexts. Slightly more common in American discourse on global geopolitics.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The balance of power [between X and Y]to maintain the balance of powera shift in the balance of power [towards Z]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tip the balance of power”
- “Hold the balance of power (as a decisive third party)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to competitive dynamics within a market or between departments, e.g., 'The merger altered the balance of power in the industry.'
Academic
A core concept in Political Science and International Relations, analysed in theories of Realism.
Everyday
Used to describe shifting influence in workplaces, families, or social groups.
Technical
Specific use in electrical engineering (power systems) or game theory, but less common than the political sense.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- balance-of-power considerations
- a balance-of-power policy
American English
- balance-of-power politics
- balance-of-power calculations
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The two largest parties have a similar number of seats, creating a balance of power in parliament.
- The new player changed the balance of power in the football league.
- The small centre party often holds the balance of power in a coalition government.
- Historians argue that the 19th-century balance of power in Europe prevented a major war for decades.
- The doctrine of maintaining a balance of power is central to realist theories of international relations.
- The acquisition of nuclear weapons by the state irrevocably shifted the regional balance of power, prompting a realignment of alliances.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine old-fashioned scales (balance) with weights labelled 'POWER' on each side. If one side gets too heavy, the balance tips. The goal is to keep them level.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS WEIGHT / POLITICAL SYSTEMS ARE PHYSICAL SYSTEMS (with equilibrium and forces).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'баланс силы'. The correct Russian equivalent is usually 'баланс сил' (plural).
- Do not confuse with 'весы' (scales for weighing). The concept is abstract.
Common Mistakes
- Using as a plural (*balances of power). It's a singular compound noun.
- Omitting the definite article 'the' when referring to the general concept (e.g., 'They discussed balance of power' -> '...the balance of power').
- Confusing with 'balance of payments' or 'work-life balance'.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'balance of power' a fundamental theoretical concept?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its most famous use is in international politics, it's commonly applied to any competitive system: businesses, sports teams, or even relationships within a family.
'Checks and balances' refers to internal mechanisms within a single government (e.g., between executive, legislature, judiciary) to limit power. 'Balance of power' typically describes the external distribution of power between independent states or groups.
No, it is exclusively a noun phrase. You cannot 'to balance of power' something. Related verbs are 'balance', 'counterbalance', or phrases like 'maintain the balance of power'.
Not necessarily. It is a state of stability, often tense and maintained through deterrence, alliances, and military preparedness. It can break down, leading to conflict.