EL EQUILIBRIO DE PODER COMO DEBATE EN LAS RELACIONES INTERNACIONALES DEL CONO SUR AMERICANO (1830–1910)*

In international relations, the theory of balance of power explains the behavior of antagonistic states, and the making of support (or opposition) networks. Thus, its main principle is the balance of power. So, the main objective of our survey consists into analyzing the foundations of the aforementioned theory from a discourse of decision–makers that controverts border issues, and that shows an intuitive balance of power concept. Finally, we argue that the South American balance of power is focused in an asymmetric distribution of power. Likewise, the law of nations works in favor of the weaker states as a compensatory factor.