Unique in approach, this text explores all aspects of an important scholarly debate over whether the contemporary theory of the balance of power as presented by Kenneth Waltz is a scientifically acceptable theory. This text allows students to examine and analyze the different views (in their original form) by all those in the debate and to come to their own conclusions. Part I presents the initial debate, including reprinted material. Parts II and III feature original pieces where scholars from different views review the debate. The resulting analyses, along with the initial exchanges, provide varying answers to the theoretical, empirical, and philosophy of science questions raised by the debate.