What is Power?

Hegemonic Stability Theory

To be a Hegemon, a state must have 3 attributes:

1. The Capability to enforce the rules of the system

2. The will to do so

3. A commitment to a system which is perceived as mutually beneficial to the n

To be a Hegemon, a state must have three attributes:

The Capability to enforce the rules of the system;

The Will to do so;

A Commitment to a system which is perceived as mutually beneficial to the major states.

3 Dimensions Of Power

1. Power as Capability

- tangible/material elements that a country has

2. Relational Power

- Opposite of Power as Capability

3. Structural Power

- Ability to control the political agenda and shape how things are done

Structural Power

Power as Capability

The means by which states affect global politics, usually by promoting a model of politics that they favour.

A classic approach to power where power branches from what a country possesses

4 Primary Power Structures:

1. Knowledge Structure - influence, beliefs, ideas,perceptions

2. Financial Structure- access to credit, investment

3. Security Structure- Defence & national strategies

4. Production Structure- influence economic

development and growth

eg.

- Land Size/geographical Location

- Size of the population

- Size and Quality of military

- Natural Resources

- GDP per capita

Relational Power

Advantages

- Different states can dominate each structure - centric approach

- Critical role played by regimes and international organisations

- Works together with relational power by helping to determine outcomes.

Disadvantages:

Advantages:

- Defines potential power (which is unreliable to determine outcomes) for example, Vietnam War, failed to determine outcome of war.

- Relative importance of attributes of power are debatable

- Power may change due to economic boosts/conflicts/natural disasters

-

- Power is observable or quantifiable

- Based on tangible elements

- States can be classified by by amount of power or resources

- Great Power

- Superpowers

- Middle Powers

About actions and outcomes

eg. when country A gets Country B to do something that B would not have done

Relational Power = influence = Capability

Advantages

Disadvantages

- Countries exert influence through compellence

-forcing adversarial countries to act against their will through war or threats. Eg. Iraq War 2003 to change regime.

- Deterrence strategy created to stop aggression by emphasising the scale of the likely military response. Eg. maintaining no fly zones to prevent attacks on Kurds and Shia.

1. Unreliable - Potential to over/underestimate power

2. Relative importance of power is debatable

3. Subjective factors may be as important as quantifiable objective factors

4. Difficult to translate resources or capacities into political efficiancy

5. Perceptions of power may change due to economic booms/conflicts/natural disasters.

Traditional elements of National Power

- Military Capability

- Economic Development

- Population Size

- Geographical Location

- Natural Resources

What is Power?

Power is the ability to influence others groups in global politics and achieve outcomes.