POWER
INTRODUCTION:
In the study of international relations, the concept of power has long been considered to be
of the utmost importance and entire theory of international relations has been cantered on
it, particularly the realist school of thought. In order to characterize the study of
international politics, Hans Morgenthau used interests that were defined in terms of power.
According to Kenneth Waltz, the main factor in deciding the make-up of an international
system was the allocation of power. Power is the unit of exchange in great power politics,
according to John Mearsheimer.
Definition of power in international relations:
There are many different definitions of power that are used in politics and international
relations: -
MORGENTHAU:
“International politics is nothing but struggle for power.”
LASSWELL:
“The key to having power is being involved in the decision-making process and in
interpersonal relationships.”
Theory of power in international relations:
Capabilities look at how many resources a state has, these can include financial resources,
population, military capability, and even the geography of the country. A poor country with
a small population usually has less capability than a rich country with a large population; for
example, if they went to war with each other, some would argue that this means they have
less power.
Relationships are also an important part of gaining power in international relations. This
means things like joining an alliance or an international organisation. This can give you more
power than you would otherwise have. For example, Canada is more powerful because of
the strong relationship it has with the US. When you gain power from relationships like this
it is called 'relational power'.
Lastly, structures are important when looking at theories of power in international relations.
Gaining power from structure means that a state has created or has control of important
areas like specific knowledge or security and production networks. For example, Germany is
a lot more powerful because of how important it is in creating and leading the European
Union.
INTRODUCTION:
In the study of international relations, the concept of power has long been considered to be
of the utmost importance and entire theory of international relations has been cantered on
it, particularly the realist school of thought. In order to characterize the study of
international politics, Hans Morgenthau used interests that were defined in terms of power.
According to Kenneth Waltz, the main factor in deciding the make-up of an international
system was the allocation of power. Power is the unit of exchange in great power politics,
according to John Mearsheimer.
Definition of power in international relations:
There are many different definitions of power that are used in politics and international
relations: -
MORGENTHAU:
“International politics is nothing but struggle for power.”
LASSWELL:
“The key to having power is being involved in the decision-making process and in
interpersonal relationships.”
Theory of power in international relations:
Capabilities look at how many resources a state has, these can include financial resources,
population, military capability, and even the geography of the country. A poor country with
a small population usually has less capability than a rich country with a large population; for
example, if they went to war with each other, some would argue that this means they have
less power.
Relationships are also an important part of gaining power in international relations. This
means things like joining an alliance or an international organisation. This can give you more
power than you would otherwise have. For example, Canada is more powerful because of
the strong relationship it has with the US. When you gain power from relationships like this
it is called 'relational power'.
Lastly, structures are important when looking at theories of power in international relations.
Gaining power from structure means that a state has created or has control of important
areas like specific knowledge or security and production networks. For example, Germany is
a lot more powerful because of how important it is in creating and leading the European
Union.
