Third footnote to the post titled “The Virtues of Anarchy”

Hedley bull made two important distinctions in regards to the balance of power. One, in regards to the distinction between a simple balance of power and a complex balance of power. And two, between a contrived balance of power and a fortuitous balance of power. A simple balance of power consists of two major powers. A complex balance of power consists of three or more major powers. A contrived balance of power is when states consciously pursue a balance of power through the policies they enact. A fortuitous balance of power arises without any conscious effort on the part of states. The most advanced balance of power system, as Bull argued, is when there are three major powers, and one joins forces with another to stop the third from becoming the preponderant or hegemonic power. And that is exactly the kind of system we find ourselves in today by virtue of the “Triangular Relationship” between America, Russia, and China. The whole point of the balance of power is to prevent hegemony. Plain and simple.