In this article you will learn about What is Power in Political Science?
What is Power
Power is a fundamental concept that encompasses the ability or capacity to influence, control, or affect the behaviour and decisions of individuals or groups. Every relationship experiences power dynamics, and political relationships are no different. Hans Morgenthau defined power as "Man's control over the minds and actions of other men." However, since minds cannot be seen, states' and individuals' actions can determine power. The ability or capacity to control others and get them to do what one wants them to do and also to see that they do not do what one does not want them to do" is the definition of power, interpreted broadly. Power in international relations refers to a state's capacity to impose its will on other states and demand their respect and obedience.
Money and power are easily comparable. In international politics, power has a similar function to that of money in the economy. The majority of people receive money in order to fulfil their needs. However, money can become an obsession for some people. They look for ways to amass money. Most people use money as a tool, but some use it as a means to an end. In a similar vein, states depend heavily on power. But frequently, it serves as a means to an end. Because all states aspire to be ever-greater. Power is therefore "the capstone among the objectives which the states pursue and the cornerstone among the methods which they employ," as stated by Vernon Van Dyke. He meant that power is the highest of objectives and aims of states, and it is also the basic means which they use to serve their national interests.
The most fundamental idea in international politics is power. But defining it is not always simple. Definitions have still been provided. The definition of power according to Couloumbis and Wolfe is "an umbrella concept that denotes anything that establishes and maintains Actor A's control over Actor B." The concept of power gains additional meaning from this definition. There are three crucial components to power. They are authority, influence, and force. Authority, in the words of Couloumbis and Wolfe, is when Actor B voluntarily complies with Actor A's wishes out of love, respect, etc. Influence can be defined as Actor A using non-violent persuasion techniques to persuade Actor B to agree with its wishes. Finally, force implies coercion by Actor A of Actor B in pursuit of political objectives of Actor A. This power is a combination of authority (voluntary compliance), Influence (Compliance through persuasion) and force (use of coercive methods).
Methods of Exercising Power
If power is the ability to get things done, what are the methods that can be employed, by those who possess power, for securing compliance with their wishes. Four methods are generally employed for the exercise of power. These methods are : Persuasion, reward, punishment and force. These methods may also be called instruments of the exercise of power. Persuasion is the easiest of the four methods. In this country A tries to influence the behaviour of country B by persuading the latter to change its decision. In fact, most of the times diplomacy is based on persuasion. This method is free from use of coercion or even threat of use of force. Another method of exercise of power is offer of reward. In this method, attempt is made to influence the behaviour of other state by promise of reward, which may be material, economic or political. The reward may take the shape of offer of a territory, or military aid in the form of weapons, bases or training facilities. The reward may be in the nature of economic aid or loan. It may be political if support, or a favourable vote, is promised in the United Nations or other organisations and agencies. The third method of power is Punishment. It may take various forms.
For example, stoppage of economic or military aid, or even a threat of such a withdrawal amounts to punishment. A threat of unfavourable action also implies punishment. Similarly, punishments include unfavourable propaganda, political support to the opponents or enemies, and imposition of unfavourable terms of trade and transit. Thus when the U.S. promises support to Pakistan or seeks to vote in her favour against India's wishes it amounts to US punishment of India. Lastly, when the threat of punishment is actually carried out, it is called use of force. In other words, punishment is a threat, and its implementation is force.'
This article on What is Power in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.