Security Dilemma
The Security Dilemma, or Spiral Model, states that both the strengths and weaknesses of states within the international system can be provocative to other nations. If one of the states in the international system is stronger, others will feel suspicious toward the intentions of this state; on the other hand, if one of the states becomes significantly weaker than the rest, there will be a sense of opportunity to change the status quo. Therefore, in both situations the balance of power is upset and security within the international system is diminished.