 ##  [Balance of Threat Theory](/balance-threat-theory) 

  ##  [Balance of Threat Theory](https://social.quantumdictionary.io/balance-threat-theory-0) 

  

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**Social Sciences Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

An international-relations model asserting that states’ alliance choices and balancing behaviour respond primarily to perceived threats defined by a combination of others’ material capabilities, geographic proximity, and demonstrated or inferred hostile intentions, rather than to raw power measures alone.