Power

Question 1

What is the definition of power?

Answer 1

The ability to exert influence over others to do something they may not do otherwise

Question 2

What are some issues with power as a concept ?

Answer 2

• It has an exclusive nature suggesting that it is hard to measure

Question 3

What is the definition of hard power ?

Answer 3

Hard power refers to power obtained from military or economic, coercion to influence the behaviour or interests of other political bodies

Question 4

Give three examples of hard power

Answer 4

• US military spending in 2020 778 billion compared to china and the uk which spends 59.2b . demonstrates the domination of the US and there influential abilities to use hard power
• Iraq war 2003- displays hard power
• Nuclear weapons russia 7000 compared to uk which has 215- shows a clear difference between hard power and soft power

Question 5

What is economic power ? Give some examples.

Answer 5

This is power that involves inducements or incentives to act in a particular way eg economic sanctions eg

• EU sanctions against Russia since 2014
• Sanctions against the Apartheid in south Africa 1968

Question 6

What is the definition of soft power ?

Answer 6

• Ability to shape the preferences of others by attraction rather than coercion
• diplomacy and culture

Question 7

How else is soft power defined ?

Answer 7

As cultural power- shared values.

- cultural connection s contribute to the effectiveness of soft power

Question 8

Give examples of cultural assets

Answer 8

• EU has the biggest single market ,which means that alot of states want to trade with them