Final answer:
In a balancing world, states will build up military might and rely on allies to counterbalance threatening states, avoiding direct confrontation and aggressive expansion. Sovereignty, diplomacy, and military strength become key components in maintaining a balance of power. The security dilemma is a recurrent issue where states' defensive measures may unintentionally provoke other states.
Step-by-step explanation:
A balancing world implies creating a situation where no single state can dominate others, thus maintaining a form of international equilibrium. Here are the filled blanks: 1. Threatening states will provoke others to build up military might or engage in counter-alliances. 2. Direct confrontation is less important because one's allies will resist threatening states out of their own self-interest. 3. Aggressive expansion will be discouraged because those who contemplate it will anticipate collective resistance or countermeasures from others in the system.
In this context, states may engage in diplomacy and military buildup to dissuade adversaries and avoid direct confrontation, resorting to transparent policies that highlight their ability to protect themselves. The concept of sovereignty is also crucial; it requires states to balance preserving their own autonomy against the potential costs of conflict. Additionally, the security dilemma can arise when states' actions to enhance their security are perceived as threats by others, potentially spiraling into an arms race or conflict.
In a balanced world, nations constantly assess the balance between cooperation and competition, trying to maximize stability and predictability in international relations to avoid the costs and unpredictability of war. This can lead to a greater focus on collective security, economic leverage, and stable military forces as tools for maintaining a balance of power.