Offshore balancing strategy assessment: Profound disagreements and determining factors for performance

Abstract

At present, there is vigorous debate around the effectiveness of offshore balancing strategy. The main points of contention revolve around whether the strategy increases or decreases costs for the offshore balancer; whether it leads to a rise or decline in power; and whether it enhances or worsens security. In this paper I argue that academics should not rely on a static perspective of the strategy's inherent attributes, but should dynamically examine and evaluate how the strategy is implemented. Three decisive factors in the strategy's success are the balancer's ability to assess strategic threats, seize strategic opportunities, and make adjustments to strategic deviations.