A Season of Light: The Balance of Power and the Westphalian Order

Abstract

History is full of turning points, some of which lead toward greener pastures and others that mark a descent into the abyss. The middle of 17th century saw one of the former kinds, creating, “one of the great watersheds of modern history.”¹ The modern era began around 1500 with the consolidation of political power by a group of dynastic states that closely resemble the type of entities in which we still live today. However, for a while this system looked headed toward a relatively brief existence. The popularity of kings and queens among their subjects was not based on love of obedience or distaste for democracy. Instead, the monarchs were gaining loyalty because they had the ability to protect people at a time when physical safety was in doubt for many on a daily basis.