Description
The paper shows the idea of maintaining equilibrium. Under hegemonic shifts (which cause bipolar system) regional power strives to equalization of the levels of relations with each of great powers. When challenger rises, regional power sees a threat to the stability of the system and, consequently, to its position in this system. Therefore, it aims to minimize the effects of increasing rivalry by establishing cooperation with each of the great powers. Regional power notice, however, that relations with one great power are more advanced than with the second one, and therefore tries to level them. When this goal is achieved, the regional power tries not to deteriorate relations with each of the great powers by maintaining equilibrium, i.e. a situation in which each act of cooperation with given great power results in a different act of cooperation with the second great power. This theory will be tested by analyzing British behavior under contemporary US-China competition in 2017-2019.
