ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a foundation for the use of the power disparity concept. A central point in the analysis is that confrontations avoided are mostly to be classified as unobservables. The chapter discusses the power concept in order to identify those versions that may be said to be leading in the study of International Relations. It examines some of their antecedents in order to better understand how the problem of unobservables in power relations has been dealt with over time. The chapter presents that power disparity being a key notion, on identity and the time dimension. It also discusses the avoidance behaviour in two typically different classes of cases: those of large power disparities, and those of small. The more common practical effect of power disparity is for the weaker side to avoid confrontations if at all possible. The chapter demonstrates the kinds of behavioural patterns in small states and great powers.
