maktubalanse

Maktubalanse, also written maktbalanse in some contexts, is the concept of balance of power. It describes how power is distributed among actors—typically states, but also international organizations and major non-state actors—to prevent any one actor from dominating others. A stable maktubalanse reduces the likelihood of coercive actions by stronger states and creates a framework for deterrence and cooperation.

The term draws from the words for power (makt) and balance (balanse). In practice, maktubalanse is pursued through external mechanisms such as forming and maintaining alliances, balancing military capabilities, and aligning political interests, as well as through internal means like economic strength, technological prowess, and diplomatic influence. There are external balance (counterbalancing others) and internal balance (strengthening one’s own capabilities). The concept is central to classical and modern theories of international relations, especially realism.

Historically, the balance of power has played a key role in European diplomacy since the Peace of Westphalia, with cycles of alliances and armaments guiding state behavior. The Cold War is often cited as a prominent example of bipolar balance, while the post‑Cold War period has seen shifts to multipolar and complex regional balances. Critics argue that balance of power theories can be too structural, neglect agency and non-state actors, and sometimes trigger arms races or bandwagoning.

Today, maktubalanse remains relevant in discussions of cyber power, economic statecraft, and regional security architectures, where power is distributed across states, corporations, and other actors. Related topics include balance of power, deterrence, alliance dynamics, and international institutions.