Penkovtsev, R. V., Hedayati Shahidani, M.
“Soft Balancing” and Asymmetrical Regional Balancing in International Policy
// Politics and Society.
2014. ¹ 10.
P. 1219-1234.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=54294
Penkovtsev, R. V., Hedayati Shahidani, M. “Soft Balancing” and Asymmetrical Regional Balancing in International Policy
Abstract: The authors of the article analyzes the relation between the strategies of “soft balancing”
and asymmetrical balancing under the conditions of multipolarity. This structure is denoted
by the 0+Õ equation where “0” mean the absence of a dominating actor or hegemon (great power)
in the international system. In this structure none of the actors may influence all aspects of the
international order. The letter “X” here shows the number of “great powers’ playing their roles for
each actor. Quite naturally, this system also determines and assigns new roles for each actor. One
of the most significant factors is the relation between great powers and different geopoligical regions.
In order to understand this problem and aspects thereto, the authors of the article analyze
the foreign policy of Barack Obama administration. The authors make an assumption that the
when solving different regional problems, Obama’s external affairs team uses the strategy that is
based on the approaches of “soft balancing” and asymmetrical balancing. “Balancing” means the
country’s ability not to allow the political domination of other countries through internal mobilization
or strengthening of unions. In conclusion, the authors show that in this day and age it is
possible to define the five main patterns of behavior of Americans in regional conflicts and their
control over opposing actors.
Keywords:
multipolarity, Soft Balancing, Asymmetrical Balancing, foreign policy, USA, Great Powers, Regional Actors, world policy, balance of power, regional conflicts.
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