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Power in international relations
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'National power' redirects here. For the former energy company, see: National Power
Power in international relations is defined in several different ways. Political scientists, historians, and practitioners of international relations (diplomats) have used the following concepts of political power:
- Power as a goal of states or leaders;
- Power as a measure of influence or control over outcomes, events, actors and issues;
- Power as reflecting victory in conflict and the attainment of security; and,
- Power as control over resources and capabilities.
Modern discourse generally speaks in terms of state power, indicating both economic and military power. Those states that have significant amounts of power within the international system are referred to as middle powers, regional powers, great powers, superpowers, or hyperpowers, although there is no commonly accepted standard for what defines a powerful state.
Entities other than states can also acquire and wield power in international relations. Such entities can include multilateral international organizations, military alliance organizations (e.g. NATO), multinational corporations, non-governmental organizations, or other institutions such as the Roman Catholic Church, Wal-Mart[1], or the Hanseatic League.
Power as a goal
Primary usage of "power" as a goal in international relations belongs to political theorists, such as Niccolò Machiavelli and Hans Morgenthau. Especially among Classical Realist thinkers, power is an inherent goal of mankind and of states. Economic growth, military growth, cultural spread etc. can all be considered as working towards the ultimate goal of international power.
[edit] Power as influencePolitical scientists principally use "power" in terms of an actor's ability to exercise influence over other actors within the international system. This influence can be coercive, attractive, cooperative, or competitive. Mechanisms of influence can include the threat or use of force, economic interaction or pressure, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
[edit] Spheres, blocs, and alliancesUnder certain circumstances, states can organize a sphere of influence or a bloc within which they exercise predominant influence. Historical examples include the spheres of influence recognized under the Concert of Europe, or the recognition of spheres during the Cold War following the Yalta Conference. The Warsaw Pact, the "Free World," and the Non-Aligned Movement were the blocs that arose out of the Cold War contest. Military alliances like NATO and the Warsaw Pact are another forum through which influence is exercised. However, Realist theory often attempts to stay away from the creation of powerful blocs/spheres that can create a hegemon within the region. British foreign policy, for example, has always sided against the hegemonic forces on the continent, i.e. Nazi Germany, Napoleonic France or Habsburg Austria.
[edit] Power as security"Power" is also used when describing states or actors that have achieved military victories or security for their state in the international system. This general usage is most commonly found among the writings of historians or popular writers. For instance, a state that has achieved a string of combat victories in a military campaign against other states can be described as powerful. An actor that has succeeded in protecting its security, sovereignty, or strategic interests from repeated or significant challenge can also be described as powerful.
[edit] Power as capability"Power is the capacity to direct the decisions and actions of others. Power derives from strength and will. Strength comes from the transformation of resources into capabilities. Will infuses objectives with resolve. Strategy marshals capabilities and brings them to bear with precision. Statecraft seeks through strategy to magnify the mass, relevance, impact, and irresistibility of power. It guides the ways the state deploys and applies its power abroad. These ways embrace the arts of war, espionage, and diplomacy. The practitioners of these three arts are the paladins of statecraft." [1] Charles W. Freeman, Jr.
"Power" is also used to describe the resources and capabilities of a state. This definition is quantitative and is most often used by geopoliticians and the military. Capabilities are thought of in tangible terms-they are measurable, weighable, quantifiable assets. Thomas Hobbes spoke of power as "present means to obtain some future apparent good." Hard Power can be treated as a potential and is not often enforced on the international stage.
Chinese strategists have such a concept of national power that can be measured quantitatively using an index known as comprehensive national power.
[edit] Soft versus hard powerMain articles: Soft power and Hard powerSome political scientists distinguish between two types of power: soft and hard. The former is attractive while the latter is coercive. Joseph Nye is the leading proponent and theorist of soft power. Instruments of soft power include debates on cultural values, dialogues on ideology, the attempt to influence through good example, and the appeal to commonly accepted human values. Means of exercising soft power include diplomacy, dissemination of information, analysis, Propaganda, and cultural programming to achieve political ends.
Hard power refers to coercive tactics: the threat or use of armed forces, economic pressure or sanctions, assassination and subterfuge, or other forms of intimidation. Hard power is generally associated to the stronger of nations, as the ability to change the domestic affairs of other nations through military threats.
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What is statism in international relations?
Statism in international relations refers to the belief that states are the central actors in global politics and that their sovereignty and interests should be prioritized. Advocates of statism argue that states are the primary units of analysis and that other actors, such as international organizations or non-state actors, are subordinate to states. This perspective emphasizes the importance of state power and the protection of national interests in shaping global affairs.
Concept and principles of international relations?
International relations is the study of interactions among sovereign states and other non-state actors in the international system. The discipline is guided by principles such as sovereignty, diplomacy, power politics, and national interests. Key concepts include balance of power, alliances, international law, conflict resolution, and globalization.
Is power key element in international politics?
Yes, power is a key element in international politics as it determines a country's ability to influence and shape global events. Countries use various forms of power, such as military strength, economic resources, and diplomatic relations, to achieve their foreign policy goals and protect their national interests on the world stage. Ultimately, the distribution of power among states shapes the dynamics of international relations.
What are the differences between realism and neo-realism in international relations?
The main difference between the two is in their view of the causes of conflict in international relations. Classical realism puts an emphasis on the self-interested and unchanging human nature which therefore makes states self-interested and power seeking units. Neo-realism, on the other hand, argues that the conflict in international relations can be explained by the state of anarchy: lack of overarching authority in IR which pushes individual states to seek power (self-help system).
What assumptions about international politics are shared by Liberals and Realist?
Both Liberals and Realists commonly assume that states are the primary actors in international politics and that the international system is anarchic. They also agree that states seek to preserve their own security and pursue their national interests. Additionally, both perspectives acknowledge the importance of power and the impact of power disparities in shaping international relations.
What is statism in international relations?
Statism in international relations refers to the belief that states are the central actors in global politics and that their sovereignty and interests should be prioritized. Advocates of statism argue that states are the primary units of analysis and that other actors, such as international organizations or non-state actors, are subordinate to states. This perspective emphasizes the importance of state power and the protection of national interests in shaping global affairs.
Concept and principles of international relations?
International relations is the study of interactions among sovereign states and other non-state actors in the international system. The discipline is guided by principles such as sovereignty, diplomacy, power politics, and national interests. Key concepts include balance of power, alliances, international law, conflict resolution, and globalization.
What is Politics Among Nation's by Hans Morgenthau about?
International relations
Who defines International politics like all politics is a struggle for power?
The idea that "all politics is a struggle for power" is often associated with the realist school of thought in international relations, particularly articulated by theorists like Hans Morgenthau. Realism posits that states act primarily in their self-interest, seeking to maximize their power and security in an anarchic international system. This perspective emphasizes the competitive and conflictual nature of international interactions, viewing power as the central currency of political relations among states.
Is power key element in international politics?
Yes, power is a key element in international politics as it determines a country's ability to influence and shape global events. Countries use various forms of power, such as military strength, economic resources, and diplomatic relations, to achieve their foreign policy goals and protect their national interests on the world stage. Ultimately, the distribution of power among states shapes the dynamics of international relations.
What is the realist paradigm?
The realist paradigm is a perspective in international relations theory that emphasizes the importance of power, conflict, and competition among states. Realists believe that states act in their own self-interest and that the international system is characterized by anarchy. Realism guides analysis of world politics by focusing on the pursuit of power and security.
What type of power regulate immigration?
This is a foreign relations power which is used by the National Govt.
What are the differences between realism and neo-realism in international relations?
The main difference between the two is in their view of the causes of conflict in international relations. Classical realism puts an emphasis on the self-interested and unchanging human nature which therefore makes states self-interested and power seeking units. Neo-realism, on the other hand, argues that the conflict in international relations can be explained by the state of anarchy: lack of overarching authority in IR which pushes individual states to seek power (self-help system).
What has the author K Edward Spiezio written?
K. Edward Spiezio has written: 'Beyond polarity' -- subject(s): Balance of power, International relations, War 'Beyond containment' -- subject(s): International cooperation, National security
What has the author Christopher Gelpi written?
Christopher Gelpi has written: 'The power of legitimacy' -- subject(s): Conflict management, Decision making, International Security, International relations, Moral and ethical aspects, Moral and ethical aspects of International relations, Psychological aspects, Psychological aspects of International relations, Security, International
What assumptions about international politics are shared by Liberals and Realist?
Both Liberals and Realists commonly assume that states are the primary actors in international politics and that the international system is anarchic. They also agree that states seek to preserve their own security and pursue their national interests. Additionally, both perspectives acknowledge the importance of power and the impact of power disparities in shaping international relations.
What is the relevance of state centric approaches to international relations?
State-centric approaches to international relations emphasize the role of nation-states as the primary actors in the global arena. This perspective is relevant because it highlights the importance of understanding state interests, power dynamics, and behavior in shaping the international system. By focusing on states, scholars and policymakers can analyze how conflicts, alliances, and cooperation among countries impact world politics.
