17. The relative balance between countr ies in a region is a factor that states consider in addressing lheir security concerna. The perspective of a snall aod weak State ls different fron that of a rnajor Fo[er, and also depends on rdheEher Ehe State ls a menber of an alliance or not. Major porers can influence and upset the balance, rhile, very often, snall nations do not have nany options buts to adjust Eo Ehe situation and to try to sEay out of the slruggl-e for poeer and influence as best they can. Often they have becone the victina of the po$er struggl'e and of siEuations rhen the balance is upset. 18. Tbe balance of porre r concept has often been the basis for the fornaEion of nilitary alliances. Hooever, Ehe various alliances that have b€en formed in the years sinee the Second World War have been the product of a range ot causes. fn existing international conditions, a nunber of Scates, including many snaller and lesa poserful ones, see substantial. value in arrangenenEs rith other countries for the Provision of nutual assistance in the event of an armed atlack aqainsE any of tben- 19. The root.E of the presenE arns race are nany and conplex. To a large extenl tbey can be found in political and socio-econonic differences belween Ebe countries from Ehe lno groups of States that later came to form the two rnain alliances. Inpolitical terrDs, lhe tensions belireen East and West still constitute the central feature of the present arx0s race. 20- The Posl-{ar alliance sysEem has nob been able to elininat.e ttre essential dilemna of security in Ehe nuclear age: the problem of ensuring nuEual security. Any measure designed to lnprove the ni.lilary securi.ty of one side may weaken the
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international relations, security, and the balance of power between nations. It touches on the formation of alliances, the impact of major powers on smaller states, and the complexities of ensuring security in the nuclear age. The text does not mention economic development, natural resources, industry, transport, communication, health, education, employment, humanitarian aid, culture, or science and technology.

**Category**
International relations, Security