Question

Statespeople have sometimes believed that being strong will attract allies or compel other states to ally. History shows, however, that states tend to ally ______ a strong state?

1) with
2) against
3) despite
4) because of

Answer 1

History shows that states tend to ally against a strong state to protect their sovereignty and maintain balance in the international system. The formation of alliances is influenced by strategies related to power, interest, and the preservation of peace and stability.

Step-by-step explanation:

States tend to ally against a strong state. This is often the case because the balance of power in the international system can be threatened by a single state becoming too powerful. States and their leaders aim to protect their sovereignty and may see aligning against a strong state as a necessary measure to prevent dominance and maintain a balance of power, which was particularly evident in the lead-up to World War I. Aligning with a strong state might occur for protection or economic gain, but history shows that states often form alliances to counterbalance an emerging threat or to restore a perceived equilibrium.

Military strength and the pursuit of power can compel states to take actions such as building alliances or entering wars, as seen during periods of high nationalist sentiment and rivalry. It is crucial to understand the different types of actors and the ways in which states exercise power, including military, economic, and political influence. The alliances formed are not solely based on strength, but also on strategic interests, such as resisting aggression or promoting common political aims.