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Questions and Answers
What concept is World War I often blamed on?
What concept is World War I often blamed on?
balance of power
Who described the balance of power as a constant rule of prudent politics?
Who described the balance of power as a constant rule of prudent politics?
Woodrow Wilson viewed the balance of power as a positive principle.
Woodrow Wilson viewed the balance of power as a positive principle.
False
What did Woodrow Wilson believe caused wars?
What did Woodrow Wilson believe caused wars?
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How many wars were the great powers involved in over five centuries?
How many wars were the great powers involved in over five centuries?
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What does the term 'power' refer to in international politics?
What does the term 'power' refer to in international politics?
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What is power conversion?
What is power conversion?
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Which resource was a critical power resource in agrarian economies during the eighteenth century?
Which resource was a critical power resource in agrarian economies during the eighteenth century?
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Which country pioneered the use of railways for transporting armies in the 1860s?
Which country pioneered the use of railways for transporting armies in the 1860s?
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Study Notes
The Concept of Balance of Power
- Balance of power is a confusing yet often used concept in international politics.
- The term is used to describe and justify various political strategies.
- David Hume, a philosopher, saw it as a key principle in politics, while Richard Cobden, a liberal, considered it a meaningless concept.
- Woodrow Wilson saw it as an evil principle that led to conflict among nations.
The Balance of Power and War
- Defenders of balance-of-power argue it leads to stability, but not necessarily peace.
- During five centuries of European state system, there were 119 wars involving great powers, including 10 large-scale wars.
- The goal of balance of power is not peace but to preserve the independence of individual states.
- Example: Poland was divided among Austria, Prussia, and Russia in the late 18th century.
The Nature of Power
- Power is the ability to achieve goals and influence others to get desired outcomes.
- Power can be measured by resources like population, territory, natural resources, economic size, military forces, and political stability.
- It is often associated with the ability to influence others through resource control.
- However, political leaders may take risks or make mistakes, as seen in the cases of Japan in 1941 and Iraq in 1990.
Power Conversion and Context
- Power conversion is the ability to translate potential power (resources) into actual influence over others' behavior.
- The value of resources for achieving power depends on the specific context.
- E.g., Tanks are useless in swamps, and uranium was not a vital resource in the 19th century.
- In previous eras, population was a key power resource due to its role in taxation and military recruitment.
- In the 19th century, industrialization and rail systems gained importance, allowing for rapid troop mobilization.
- Example: Bismarck's Germany utilized railroads for quick victories in the 1860s, while Russia struggled due to its vast territory and limited rail infrastructure.
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Description
Explore the intricate concept of balance of power in international relations and its historical implications. Understand the arguments for and against this principle and how it has shaped state interactions, particularly in the context of war. Delve into the views of philosophers and political theorists on this crucial geopolitical strategy.
