The Sincerity of the British Commitment to the Maintenance of the Balance of Power 1714-1763
Author(s)
Sheehan, Michael
Abstract
The balance of power can be seen as one of the guiding principles of European diplomacy over the past three centuries. Yet the subject remains controversial, with critics arguing that states have never routinely or sincerely pursued it. The study examines British policies toward pursuing and maintaining a balance of power in Europe between 1714 and 1763, through an analysis of the pamphlet literature and diplomatic correspondence of the period, as well as the foreign policy record. The policy was debated at length in Britain, with criticism of it mounted on a variety of grounds. But that this was indeed Britain’s policy was never doubted. The conclusion is that while British policy was far from altruistic, support for the balance was perceived in Whitehall as dovetailing with national self-interest, and while many factors contributed to British support for the maintenance of the equilibrium, her commitment to maintaining it was sincere.
