Final answer:
The term "balance of power" refers to a situation in which competing nations have approximately equal military power. It aims to prevent conflicts and maintain stability in international relations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "balance of power" refers to a situation in which competing nations have approximately equal military power. It is a concept used in international relations to understand how states interact with each other. The goal is to prevent any single nation or region from gaining too much power, which could lead to conflicts and destabilize the world.
The balance of power can be seen in different forms, such as unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar systems. During the Cold War, for example, the balance of power was achieved through the existence of dual superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, which created stability through the fear of nuclear annihilation.
Overall, the idea of a balance of power in international relations aims to maintain stability, predictability, and a lack of violence within and between nations.