Balancing is intrinsically safer and more influence-yielding than bandwagoning.

Evidence

In general, calculations of intent should encourage states to balance. Bandwagoning is risky because it requires trust; one assists a dominant power in the hope that it will remain benevolent. It is safer to balance, in case the dominant power turns out to be aggressive. Furthermore, alignment with the weaker side enhances one’s influence within the resulting coalition, because the weaker side has greater need of assistance. — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 632

Categorization

• XREF: This connects to the Milgrom law-merchant reading: both note how trust and reputation underpin cooperation in the absence of reliable enforcement.