“Stabilizer” in International Relations: Concept and Practice

“Stabilizer” in International Relations: Concept and Practice

Although the concept of a stabilizer is frequently referred to in the study of international political economy and hegemonic stability theory, its broader conceptualization across the realm of international relations is yet to be fully explored. This study addresses the theoretical underdevelopment of this concept, in particular in terms of its limited capacity to account for the diverse ways stabilizers manifest in global politics. To increase the conceptual clarity and analytical utility of the stabilizer, this paper defines its essential characteristics, identifying key actors in a stabilizer, delineating its core functions, and specifying its operative conditions. To substantiate this framework, this study presents case analyses that involve hegemonic powers, middle-tier powers, and lesser states. First, this study demonstrates that the United States has maintained its global hegemony primarily through its military and economic power while it simultaneously performs the role of a hegemonic stabilizer at both the global and regional levels through managing the balance of power and balance of threat dynamics and by exercising multiple deterrence strategies. It examines the ways that middle-tier and lesser powers contribute to stability by means of strategic diplomacy, normative leadership, and regional mediation. With this analysis, the paper broadens the theoretical and empirical understanding of the stabilizing agency in international relations.

Although the concept of a stabilizer is frequently referred to in the study of international political economy and hegemonic stability theory, its broader conceptualization across the realm of international relations is yet to be fully explored. This study addresses the theoretical underdevelopment of this concept, in particular in terms of its limited capacity to account for the diverse ways stabilizers manifest in global politics. To increase the conceptual clarity and analytical utility of the stabilizer, this paper defines its essential characteristics, identifying key actors in a stabilizer, delineating its core functions, and specifying its operative conditions. To substantiate this framework, this study presents case analyses that involve hegemonic powers, middle-tier powers, and lesser states. First, this study demonstrates that the United States has maintained its global hegemony primarily through its military and economic power while it simultaneously performs the role of a hegemonic stabilizer at both the global and regional levels through managing the balance of power and balance of threat dynamics and by exercising multiple deterrence strategies. It examines the ways that middle-tier and lesser powers contribute to stability by means of strategic diplomacy, normative leadership, and regional mediation. With this analysis, the paper broadens the theoretical and empirical understanding of the stabilizing agency in international relations.