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The balance of power

What's the meaning of the phrase 'The Balance of power'?

The distribution of power between nations in such a way that no single state has dominance over the others.

What's the origin of the phrase 'The Balance of power'?

Of uncertain origin, but dating back to at least the early 18th century; for example, this piece from the The London Gazette, 1701:

“Your Glorious Design of Re-establishing a just Ballance of Power in Europe.”

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Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
The balance of power

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