#chain ganging

Introduction Chain ganging is a term in the field of international relations describing the elevated probability for interstate conflict or conflagration due to several states having joined in alliances or coalitions. Refer to Balance of Power and Balance of Threat. Outline The agreed principles of such alliances typically include mutual defence clauses requiring that, in the case of one…

Introduction The balance of power theory in international relations suggests that states may secure their survival by preventing any one state from gaining enough military power to dominate all others. 1866 cartoon by Daumier, L’Equilibre Européen, representing the balance of power as soldiers of different nations teeter the earth on bayonets. If one state becomes much stronger, the theory…