History Main / BalanceOfPower

* The foreign policy of the [[UsefulNotes/ImperialGermany German Empire]] from 1871 to 1890 was almost entirely built around this trope. The main goal of Reich Chancellor UsefulNotes/OttoVonBismarck was to diplomatically isolate France and thus prevent this from happening to Germany itself. He believed that if Paris succeeds in concluding an alliance with Russia and/or Austria-Hungary, then the German Empire simply will not be able to defend itself. As a result, Germany made a number of alliances with some other great powers of Europe, namely Russia, Italy, and Austria-Hungary. Such a web of treaties was supposed to exclude the possibility of a new major war in Europe (since without allies, France could not challenge Berlin) and, at the same time, to assert the dominant position of Germany on the continent. However, after the resignation of Bismarck in 1890, the German Empire began to pursue a noticeably more aggressive foreign policy, doing almost everything so that Bismarck's system of alliances very quickly sank into oblivion, sharply worsening the existing balance of power configuration in terms of German national interests, as a result.

* The foreign policy of the [[UsefulNotes/ImperialGermany German Empire]] from 1871 to 1890 was almost entirely built around this trope. The main goal of Reich Chancellor UsefulNotes/OttoVonBismarck was to diplomatically isolate France and thus prevent this from happening to Germany itself. He believed that if Paris succeeds in concluding an alliance with Russia and/or Austria-Hungary, then the German Empire simply will not be able to defend itself. As a consequence, Germany made a number of alliances with some other great powers of Europe, namely Russia, Italy, and Austria-Hungary. Such a web of treaties was supposed to exclude the possibility of a new major war in Europe (since without allies, France could not challenge Berlin) and, at the same time, to assert the dominant position of Germany on the continent. However, after the resignation of Bismarck in 1890, the German Empire began to pursue a noticeably more aggressive foreign policy, doing almost everything so that Bismarck's system of alliances sank into oblivion fairly quickly.

* The foreign policy of the [[UsefulNotes/ImperialGermany German Empire]] from 1871 to 1890 was almost entirely built around this trope. The main goal of Reich Chancellor UsefulNotes/OttoVonBismarck was to diplomatically isolate France and thus prevent this from happening to Germany itself. He believed that if Paris succeeds in concluding an alliance with Russia and/or Austria-Hungary, then the German Empire simply will not be able to defend itself. As a consequence, Germany made a number of alliances with the Great Powers of Europe, namely Russia, Italy, and Austria-Hungary. Such a system was supposed to exclude the possibility of a new major war in Europe (since without allies, France could not challenge Berlin) and, at the same time, to assert the dominant position of Germany on the continent. However, after the resignation of Bismarck in 1890, the German Empire began to pursue a noticeably more aggressive foreign policy, doing almost everything so that all of Bismarck's key achievements quickly sank into oblivion.

* In ''Literature/HeavyObject'' the world is dominated by four supernations all of which are constantly skirmishing with one another. Because their strengths are roughly equal, none of the supernations are willing to engage in all-out warfare with another and will often enact temporary truces where they work together against a common enemy.

* In ''Series/IntoTheBadlands'' the Barons are warlords who control fixed territories and are each in charge of one main trade resource. The Barons do not really mind when one Baron is deposed through KlingonPromotion or even assassinated by another Baron. However, they take a grim view when one Baron seizes territory belonging to another Baron since this upsets the balance of power. When Baron Quinn goes to war against the Widow, he seizes her oil fields which immediately sets all the other Barons against him.

** Other countries during the UsefulNotes/ColdWar had become sick of the American and Soviet deadlock and so tried to TakeAThirdOption. Nations such as India, Yugoslavia and Egypt formed the Non-Aligned movement. While UsefulNotes/CharlesDeGaulle had become skeptical of NATO and a pro-American foreign policy that kept France dependent to the Western bloc, to this end he opened trade relations with the Soviet Union, pulled itself out of NATO and developed nuclear potential and tried to constantly veto England's involvement with Continental affairs, factors which made him highly unpopular both at home and abroad. Ironically when France finally had a socialist President like Mitterand, they started moving away from the Soviet Union and drifted towards liberalization of economy and the Western bloc in the 80s.

* The foreign policy of the [[UsefulNotes/ImperialGermany German Empire]] from 1871 to 1890 was almost entirely built around this trope. The main goal of Reich Chancellor UsefulNotes/OttoVonBismarck was to diplomatically isolate France and at the same time prevent this from happening with Germany itself. He believed that if Paris succeeds in concluding an alliance with Russia and/or Austria-Hungary, then the German Empire simply will not be able to defend itself. As a consequence, Germany made a number of alliances with the Great Powers of Europe, namely Russia, Italy, and Austria-Hungary. Such a system was supposed to prevent the emergence of a new major war in Europe (since without allies, France could not challenge Berlin) and, at the same time, to assert the dominant position of Germany on the continent. However, after the resignation of Bismarck in 1890, the German Empire began to pursue a noticeably more aggressive foreign policy, doing almost everything so that all of Bismarck's key achievements very quickly sank into oblivion.

* The foreign policy of the [[UsefulNotes/ImperialGermany German Empire]] from 1871 to 1890 was almost entirely built around this trope. The main goal of Reich Chancellor UsefulNotes/OttoVonBismarck was to diplomatically isolate France and at the same time prevent this from happening with Germany itself. He believed that if Paris succeeds in concluding an alliance with Russia and/or Austria-Hungary, then the German Empire simply will not be able to defend itself. As a consequence, Germany made a number of alliances with the Great Powers of Europe, namely Russia, Italy, and Austria-Hungary. Such a system was supposed to prevent the emergence of a new major war in Europe (since without allies, France could not challenge Berlin), and at the same time, assert the dominant position of Germany on the continent. However, after the resignation of Bismarck in 1890, the German Empire began to pursue a noticeably more aggressive foreign policy, doing almost everything so that all of Bismarck's key achievements very quickly sank into oblivion.

->''"Minister, Britain has had the same foreign policy objective for at least the last five hundred years: to create a disunited Europe. In that cause we have fought with the [[UsefulNotes/WarOfTheSpanishSuccession Dutch against the Spanish]], [[UsefulNotes/TheNapoleonicWars with the Germans against the French]], [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarI with the French and Italians against the Germans]], [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarII and with the French against the Germans and Italians]]. Divide and rule, you see. Why should we change now, when it's worked so well?"''

* The foreign policy of the [[UsefulNotes/ImperialGermany German Empire]] from 1871 to 1890 was almost entirely built around this trope. The main goal of Reich Chancellor UsefulNotes/OttoVonBismarck was to diplomatically isolate France and at the same time prevent this from happening with Germany itself. He believed that if Paris succeeds in concluding an alliance with Russia and/or Austria-Hungary, then the German Empire simply will not be able to defend itself. As a consequence, Germany made a number of alliances with the Great Powers of Europe, namely Russia, Italy, and Austria-Hungary. Such a system was supposed to prevent the emergence of a new major war in Europe (since without allies, France could not challenge Berlin), and at the same time, assert the dominant position of Germany on the continent. However, after the resignation of Bismarck in 1890, the German Empire began to pursue a noticeably more aggressive foreign policy, doing almost everything so that all of Bismarck's achievements very quickly sank into oblivion.

* The foreign policy of the [[UsefulNotes/ImperialGermany German Empire]] from 1871 to 1890 was almost entirely built around this trope. The main goal of Reich Chancellor UsefulNotes/OttoVonBismarck was to diplomatically isolate France and at the same time prevent this from happening with Germany itself. He believed that if Paris succeeds in concluding an alliance with Russia and/or Austria-Hungary, then the German Empire simply will not be able to defend itself. As a consequence, Germany made a number of alliances with the Great Powers of Europe, mainly with Russia, Italy, and Austria-Hungary. Such a system was supposed to prevent the emergence of a new major war in Europe (since without allies, France could not challenge Berlin), and at the same time, assert the dominant position of Germany on the continent. However, after the resignation of Bismarck in 1890, the German Empire began to pursue a noticeably more aggressive foreign policy, doing almost everything so that all of Bismarck's achievements very quickly sank into oblivion.

* The foreign policy of the [[UsefulNotes/ImperialGermany German Empire]] from 1871 to 1890 was almost entirely built around this trope. The main goal of Reich Chancellor UsefulNotes/OttoVonBismarck was to diplomatically isolate France and at the same time prevent this from happening with Germany itself. He believed that if Paris succeeds in concluding an alliance with Russia and/or Austria-Hungary, then the German Empire simply will not be able to defend itself. As a consequence, Germany made a number of alliances with the Great Powers of Europe, mainly with Russia, Italy and Austria-Hungary. Such a system was supposed to prevent the emergence of a new major war in Europe (since without allies, France could not challenge Berlin), and at the same time, assert the dominant position of Germany on the continent. However, after the resignation of Bismarck in 1890, the German Empire began to pursue a noticeably more aggressive foreign policy, doing almost everything so that all of Bismarck's achievements very quickly sank into oblivion.

* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Four Emperors, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Seven Warlords of the Sea, who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Emperors. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Emperors and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]]. This situation comes under direct threat 2 times: [[spoiler: During and in the aftermath of the Marineford War, Whitebeard is killed, Blackbeard usurps his seat in the Emperors, 3 Warlords either resign or are kicked out, and the Marines lose Aokiji due to not wanting to work under Akainu as the Fleet Admiral, and Sengoku and Garp resigning their position due to the former disapproval regarding hiding the news of the escaped criminals from Impel Down and the latter failure over protecting Ace]]. The second time was during the duration of the Reverie and Wano arcs, as [[spoiler: Doflamingo is exposed for using his position to carry out multiple illegal operations like weapons dealing, UnPerson, pulling a coup by framing the incumbent king for murder (he did those himself), as well as trying a genocide once his crimes come to light. Big Mom and Kaido team up to defeat Luffy once and for all, and the above mentioned crimes by Doflamingo and the events of the Alabasta Arc compel Riku Dold, Cobra and Admiral Fujitora to suggest the abolishment of the Seven Warlords, which passes by a majority vote, leading to the shattering of the entire balance for good. Oh, and both Kaido and Big Mom get defeated and replaced as Emperors by Buggy and Luffy.]]

-->''"Ajão realized he was telling the literal truth. If a hundred-ton moon rock were exchanged for an equivalent volume of--say--air at Giri's surface, the net potential energy released would be equivalent to a small fission bomb. Perhaps that explained the strange glassy plain Draere had photographed in the southern hemisphere."''

* In ''LightNovel/HeavyObject'' the world is dominated by four supernations all of which are constantly skirmishing with one another. Because their strengths are roughly equal, none of the supernations are willing to engage in all-out warfare with another and will often enact temporary truces where they work together against a common enemy.
* Before the start of ''LightNovel/ThatTimeIGotReincarnatedAsASlime'', a complex balance was in place between the various major powers of the world, such as the various nations and the Demon Lords. Then [[TheHero Rimuru]] come along and unwittingly breaks the balance by opening up what was previously a neutral zone for one of the Demon Lords to try to claim for themselves. Thanks to Rimuru's interference, the plan fails and in the end the entire neutral zone reorganizes itself into a new nation under Rimuru's rule. Rimuru and his nation quickly grow into a massive powerhouse, which even further disrupts the balance that previously existed.

** Despite the long time it took to be introduced, this balance was eventually revealed to be crucial to Naruto's backstory. Because maintaining it was [[spoiler:one of the biggest reasons that the Fourth Hokage sealed the Nine Tailed Fox inside of him.]]

* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Four Emperors, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Seven Warlords of the Sea, who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Emperors. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Emperors and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]]. This situation comes under direct threat 2 times: [[spoiler: During and in the aftermath of the Marineford War, Whitebeard is killed, Blackbeard usurps his seat in the Emperors, 3 Warlords either resign or are kicked out, and the Marines lose Aokiji due to not wanting to work under Akainu as the Fleet Admiral, and Sengoku resigning his position due to his disapproval regarding hiding the news of the escaped criminals from Impel Down]]. The second time was during the duration of the Reverie and Wano arcs, as [[spoiler: Doflamingo is exposed for using his position to carry out multiple illegal operations like weapons dealing, UnPerson, pulling a coup by framing the incumbent king for murder (he did those himself), as well as trying a genocide once his crimes come to light. Big Mom and Kaido team up to defeat Luffy once and for all, and the above mentioned crimes by Doflamingo and the events of the Alabasta Arc compel Riku Dold, Cobra and Admiral Fujitora to suggest the abolishment of the Seven Warlords, which passes by a majority vote, leading to the shattering of the entire balance for good.]]

** It's pretty much shown that the "balance" between the younger races is mainly due to political, religious, etc. choices by the more powerful races. While Humans, Narns, and the League are roughly equal, Centauri technology is well ahead of them and the Minbari are even farther ahead to where the Centauri never tried challenging them even at their most aggressive. The real balance of power exists between the Vorlons and the Shadows who far outstrip any of the younger races in power. They are the A & B of the story and their struggle is about how many C's and D's they can get to fight for their causes.

** It's pretty much shown that the "balance" between the younger races is mainly due to political, religious, etc. choices by the more powerful races. While, Humans, Narns, and the League are roughly equal, Centauri technology is well ahead of them and the Minbari are even farther ahead to where the Centauri never tried challenging them even at their most aggressive. The real BalanceOfPower is between the Vorlons and the Shadows who far outstrip any of the younger races in power. They are the A & B of the story Their struggle is about how many C's and D's they can get to fight for their causes.

* Before the [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarII Second World War]] there was Great Britain and France, the expanding Axis Powers, and the Glorious Soviet Union, each with an ideology that was unacceptable to the other two. Both the Glorious Soviets and the British knew that, if they went to war with Germany, afterward they would be weakened and the other would exploit it and attack immediately. In the end the Glorious Soviet Union made a pact with Hitler to divide Poland and force Britain to go to war with the Axis Powers.

->''"Minister, Britain has had the same foreign policy objective for at least the last five hundred years: to create a disunited Europe. In that cause we have fought with the Dutch against the Spanish, with the Germans against the French, with the French and Italians against the Germans, and with the French against the Germans and Italians. Divide and rule, you see. Why should we change now, when it's worked so well?"''

* ''Fanfic/TheGodHunter'' features a three-power example. [[TheOrder The Order of the Chief God]] and the Demon Lord's realm (the extremists, in particular) are two major powers locked in conflict for an unknown period of time (assumed to be very long). The former routinely organises crusades against monster kind, while the latter converts foreign territory to its own, like Lescatie. Though the two powers are seemingly equal, the latter has the advantage in the long run, due to the monsters' seduction powers, as well as the Order showing signs of decline. The third faction, the Oberon League, is a gathering of neutral city-states outside the influences of the previous two powers. The League, a steadily rising power in its own right, keeps them balanced against each other (e.g. being trade partners with the Order, allowing monsters to settle in their territory peacefully, etc.). What's more, the League has the ear of [[HeroicNeutral the Moon Scented Hunter]], providing the faction an even larger advantage. The balance comes into play as [[MonsterLord Lilith]] analyses the current state of affairs: she couldn't exploit the situation where the Order is losing influence because that would force more people into the arms of the League, and her plan for human-monster unification would be hindered should her realm ally with the League. By the time period [[spoiler:where the Wild Hunt is established, it is heavily implied that the three powers are locked in a [[UsefulNotes/ThreeKingdomsShuWeiWu "Three Kingdoms"]] stalemate.]]

[[folder:Fanfiction]]

* ''TabletopGame/{{Diplomacy}}'' is practically a research project into this trope. [[UpToEleven With seven A's and B's, whom can devolve into C's and D's as the game develops. And really skillful players could bring them back to A's and B's.]]

* This idea gets mentioned often in ''Series/StargateSG1''. The Goa'uld System Lords were stuck in a stalemate for millennia, and the Tok'ra and Asgard tried to keep it that way, since it meant that they were too busy scheming and backstabbing amongst themselves to be a significant threat to the rest of the galaxy. Then the Tau'ri show up and sort of accidentally [[Film/{{Stargate}} take out the most powerful of the System Lords]], followed by several other Goa'uld both major and minor, causing a rapid reorganization of the Goa'uld power structure. Near the end of the show, the Goa'uld as a whole are soundly defeated, which then leads to other factions stepping up to fill in the vacuum.

* A - a Great Power
* B - another Great Power, roughly equal and hostile to A
* C - a lesser power associated with A
* D - another lesser power roughly equal to C, associated with B
* E - another power (Great or lesser) that is neutral

* ''VideoGame/{{Warframe}}'': The origin system is ruled by [[TheEmpire The Grineer]] and [[MegaCorp The Corpus]]. The two are roughly equal in power, so they usually use their might to leverage things whenever they get into a market dispute, as the Grineer happen to be the Corpus' largest customer. [[WeHelpTheHelpless The Tenno]], who are few in number but can decimate whole armies of either faction via one of their own, oppose both sides and assist the various smaller groups in the system who the Grineer and Corpus oppress. The fourth major faction, the Infested, want to eat everyone, [[GodzillaThreshold and thus whenever an Infested Outbreak occurs, everyone usually teams up to stop the plague monsters]]. The balance finally breaks down in ''The New War'', [[DidntSeeThatComing but in a way none of the major powers of the system considered]]: [[spoiler:when a faction F, [[PrecursorKillers the Sentients]] (who have incredibly advanced {{Biotech|IsBetter}}nology and immeasureable numbers) invades the Origin System and [[OmnicidalManiac start killing]] '''''[[NotHyperbole everyone]]''''', forcing all of the factions in the Origin System to pull an EnemyMine just to survive]].

** "Literature/LetsGetTogether":The two superpowers, [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp "Us" and "Them"]], have been [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar at war]] for over a hundred years. An uneasy truce exists, one that would be broken if either [[LensmanArmsRace gained enough of an advantage]].