Military technology and its implications for the future of the international balance of power
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64184/ajlps.V3.I1.Y2026.P71-99.210Keywords:
Traditional Power – Techno-Military Revolution – Cyber Power – Balance of Power – International Relations.Abstract
The concept of power in international relations is witnessing profound transformations imposed by the technological and scientific revolution that has reshaped the overall structure of state power. Power has shifted from its traditional notion—based solely on material and military factors—to more complex dimensions that include cognitive, technological, and digital capabilities. The techno-military revolution emerges as one of the most significant manifestations of this shift, where military superiority has become dependent on the ability to possess advanced technologies, ranging from artificial intelligence and military robotics to smart weapons and cyberspace dominance. Conversely, traditional power—represented by armies and physical armament—still constitutes an indispensable pillar for deterrence and control. However, it has lost its central position in favor of technological power, which has become the main driver of contemporary conflicts. This study aims to analyze the concept of the techno-military revolution as a new stage in the evolution of power, by examining the dialectical relationship between traditional deterrence tools and cyber power, and their impact on regional and international power balances. Furthermore, the study explores how this transformation reshapes the global order, especially with the emergence of new actors whose technological superiority sometimes exceeds that of major powers with vast military arsenals. The research concludes that power in the twenty-first century has become multidimensional, and that international balance is no longer measured solely by traditional military indicators but rather by the extent to which states possess and employ advanced technology to achieve their strategic, military, and political objectives
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