International Relations Theory of War 45
or homeostasis. A homeostatic equilibrium depends on negative feedback,
if learning is achieved.^52 Feedback is negative when the signals from the
target are used for limiting outputs that under other conditions would
cross the target.^53
Feedback is defined as possible if the output value that returns to the
object is of the same value as the input signal. One may therefore say that
positive feedback increases the input signals and does not correct them.^54
The International Relations Theory of War and HomeostasisAccording to the international relations theory of war, the homeostasis
principle and feedback models in various systems affect the outcomes of
the international system.
According to the theory, homeostasis in international politics is a prop-
erty of the system that resists change. Homeostasis leads the system to
dictate to the key players constituting it, primarily the polar powers, that
their number defines the polarity model existing at any time and to make
the necessary adjustments for restoring the system to the state it was in
before the occurrence of the change (status quo ante).
The theory states that after the formation of international systems, these
systems, like other systems such as biological, mechanical, or social sys-
tems, tend to remain in homeostasis. Similarly, in international politics,
in each of the three possible polarity models—multipolar, bipolar, or uni-
polar systems—there will be a stability range or equilibrium between the
various parts constituting each of the three possible system models. While
positive feedback actions of players may violate the equilibrium, they will
activate negative feedback actions, which are intended to restore the for-
mer situation. This process of restoring the equilibrium inside the system
with constant motion around the equilibrium point is known in general
systems theory as homeostasis.
The theory states that the tendency to homeostasis or maintaining the
existing state of the international system stems from two conditions that
occur in the international system distinguishing it from other systems.
One is the interdependence principle, which leads to any action of one of the
players inevitably influencing the other players in the system. The other is
the uncertainty principle, which leads to it not being possible to predict the
results of changes that occur in the system or their outcomes, and alterna-
tively they may improve or worsen the state of the country. The existence
of both these conditions leads to international systems having a property
that resists change, or a tendency to homeostasis. Following this, each of
the three possible international system models will dictate to the key play-
ers in the system, in accordance with their standing as a polar power or
small power, to operate according to the three key principles of homeo-
stasis. The rationale of these three principles is maintaining the standing
of the international system or maintaining the equilibrium of the system.