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Offence-Defence Balance
/əˈfɛns dɪˈfɛns ˈbæl.əns/
Key Insights
The offence-defence balance is the ratio between the resources belligerents need to conduct offensive or defensive operations. For example, a ratio of 1:4 would indicate that a defender needs one soldier to defend against four attackers. Realists have often sought to use the offence-defence balance to explain how material power can be transformed into actual military influence and control.
Written by Pablo Mathis
27 February 2023 · 00:00 CETUpdated 21 June 2026 · 18:25 CET
Cite this brief
Mathis, P. (2023). Offence-Defence Balance. EPIS Insight · Security Policy & Defence.
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