A power vacuum occurs when a dominant authority, such as a state, leader, or international actor, loses control or is removed, leaving a gap in governance or influence. This absence of power often leads to instability, competition among local or foreign actors, and potential conflict as different groups attempt to fill the void. Power vacuums are especially common after regime collapse, military withdrawal, or the fall of empires.

• Gause, F. G. (2014). Beyond sectarianism: The new Middle East cold war. Brookings Doha Center Analysis Paper, 11, 1–27.