The Balance of Power

Abstract

Behind the idea of the balance of power lies a protest against the achievement of unity through uniformity, and the balance of power is thus properly put in antithesis to the idea of universal monarchy. As such, the balance of power is akin to a belief in the virtues of diversity and freedom. The very idea of balance also implies a form of equality. Thus, because the idea of balance of power is seen to be rather closely related to both the idea of freedom and the idea of equality, one might expect the notion to be one congenial to the liberal tradition. How are we then to account for the somewhat surprising fact that the notion of the balance of power has been subjected to the most severe criticism in that tradition?