Quote Originally Posted by Pindar
This doesn't answer my question. I take it you hold this statement: "Balance and control between the branches requires that one is not more powerful than others." is then the correct. Why 'requires'?
Hmm, I thought I explained that. Here:
Balance requires equalness because of conceptual aspects. If two entities are unequal in power, there is no balance between them. Even if they form a stable system.
I say "requires" because according to the definition I'm using balance cannot be there if powers are unequal.

Actually I thought/think Pape was asking a jurisprudential question given law is the larger focus. Even so, I don't think my response was devoid of ethical content either. The last sentence was: "one should avoid lands whose legality they question." I don't know how that leads to your initial impression as it sounds fairly categorical.
Ok, then. But that sounds like blaming the victim. Do you not have any moral critique on those countries in the hypothetical situation?