balance of power

American  

noun

1. a distribution and opposition of forces among nations such that no single nation is strong enough to assert its will or dominate all the others.

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balance of power British  

noun

1. the distribution of power among countries so that no one nation can seriously threaten the fundamental interests of another

2. any similar distribution of power or influence

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balance of power Cultural  

1. A state of peace that results when rival nations are equally powerful and therefore have no good reason to wage war.

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Etymology

Origin of balance of power

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

But, in effect, this radically tipped the balance of power in favor of a series of headstrong police chiefs, who sought to insulate the department from political interference.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

This results in multiple clashes, but little change in the unequal balance of power.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

That means "a favourable but durable balance of power in which no state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question", he added.

From Barron's • May 30, 2026

English firepower proved decisive, tipping Palau’s balance of power toward the Koror for generations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

According to the New York Times, "it's been estimated by some intelligence experts that Mr. Walker provided enough code-data information to alter significantly the balance of power between Russia and the United States."

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau