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

In an interview with Nick Robinson for the BBC's Political Thinking podcast, Polanski said he wanted to be in a position where his party could "potentially hold the balance of power" in a hung parliament.

From BBC

“But unfortunately, the balance of power has shifted back and employers are pretty stuck in their ways.”

From MarketWatch

Reza believes weakening the government's military and security apparatus could shift the balance of power.

From BBC

The balance of power has also radically changed.

From Barron's

Operation Epic Fury would in that case be remembered as the Mother of All Lawnmowers, solving nothing fundamental but preserving a fragile balance of power in a vital part of the world.

From The Wall Street Journal