Disordered system: Variation in material versus relational power and interstate conflict

How do differences in state capabilities and status contribute to systemic conflict? Researchers argue that discrepancies between the relative capabilities of states and their status, or relational power, lead to instability in the international system, thereby increasing the likelihood of international conflict. We build on this work by introducing a novel network measure to test its theoretical implications by assessing how variations in state strength and relational power affect the rate of international conflict. We find that greater differences in the military capabilities and relational power of states is associated with higher rates of conflict. We then assess whether greater variation in material and relational power creates conflict at the international system’s core or periphery. Our findings show that imbalances between the relational power of countries within the international system and their material power lead to higher rates of systemic conflict across great, mid, and tertiary powers. Our article provides key insights into how the recent changes in the great power influence and military capabilities of the US, Russia, China, and India may have led to increased conflict in the international system.