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Alignment, Structural Balance, and International Conflict in the Middle East, 1948-1978

System-level theories of international relations traditionally focus on the distribution of power capability as the main factor in influencing alignment behavior and the outcome of international conflict. However, the results have not been completely satisfactory. This study suggests that we improve the extant theories by considering the alignment bonds and links along the friend-enemy lines. From an analysis of the joint effect of the balancing of power capabilities and the balancing of the friend-enemy alignment relations, I conclude that in an international system with countries in conflict, an uneven distribution of power capability coupled with the balance of friend-enemy alignment relations in the system provides the best conditions for conflict management. This proposition is subsequently applied to examine the pattern of alignment relations and their impact on military conflict in the Middle East system from 1948 to 1978. The findings support this theoretical assertion.