What is power? (6)
1) Power is the ability to control or influence the behaviour of people
2) It exists in all social relationships between human beings.
3) Power can be used to achieve material gains (i.e agree a trade deal or defeat a terrorist
group).
4) It may be used to persuade others to conform to a political/economic idea (i.e
states persuading other states to choose a democratic, capitalist model of government/fight
corruption)
5) Power is variable → states can become more powerful, whilst others see their
power decline.
6) Through IGOs, smaller states can cooperate with other states to become more powerful
than they would be alone (multilateral power)
What is Power-over?
Power over suggests a relationship of domination or subordination between groups or individuals, arguably a form of hard power.
A has power over B to the extent that he can get B to do something that B would not otherwise do”
Example of power over
The relationship between China and Hong Kong, particularly since the 2019 anti-extradition bill protests.
Domination and Subordination - Following the protests, China implemented the National Security Law for Hong Kong in 2020, which allowed mainland authorities greater oversight and control over the region. This legislation changed the political environment, as it imposed constraints on freedom of speech, the press, and assembly—elements that Hong Kong previously valued.
What is Power-to?
Power to is the power to bring about an outcome or resist change.
- The ability to act or to make a decision.
- It is sometimes called ‘decision-making
Example of Power- to (2)
The European Green Deal, international scale.
The european green deal (EGD) is a reflection of the EU and their ability to bring about change. They did this by using their descision making skills to implement several policies that target climate change, and their ambitious targets such as the net-zero greenhouse emissions gaols by 2050. The EU uses its desicion making capacity to address climate change effectively. The EU exercises “power to” by actively shaping environmental policy and influencing global standards.
What is Power-with?
Power with is the power associated with organization of people or political actors in groups or alliances working towards a common goal
Example of power - with
Paris Agreement Signatories - This alliance demonstrates how multiple countries work together to achieve a shared goal, combatting global climate change.
The Paris Climate Agreement, adopted in 2015, brought together nearly 200 countries to collectively address climate change. Each nation committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and set specific targets based on their capabilities.
The agreement symbolizes “power with” because it relies on collective action and mutual support to achieve a global objective.
What is Power-within?
Power within or empowerment, can be seen as an internal process during which an individual or political actor goes through a transformative process which leads to new self-confidence to act.
Example of power - within
An example of power within in global politics can be seen in the transformative journey of Malala Yousafzai. Her empowerment led her to become a global advocate for girls’ education and human rights.
- Transformative Process and Self-Confidence: After surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban for advocating girls’ education in Pakistan, Malala experienced a profound internal transformation. Her resilience and conviction in the importance of education strengthened, building a new level of self-confidence to continue her advocacy on a global scale.
- Empowerment to Act: Malala’s internal empowerment, or power within, led her to amplify her voice and establish the Malala Fund, an organization dedicated to ensuring 12 years of free, quality education for girls worldwide. Her self-confidence and determination transformed her from a local advocate to an international symbol of courage and empowerment.
Malala’s journey exemplifies power within by showing how an individual’s internal growth and newfound self-belief can drive them to take powerful, meaningful action that impacts the world.
What is hard power? (joseph nye made this)
Achieving aims through force (sanctions, military actions, stopping trade)
Real-life example of hard power
Imposed by the United States and its allies on Russia following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and, more recently, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
1) Economic Sanctions - Beginning in 2014 and intensifying in 2022, the US, the EU and other allied countries imposed severe sanctions on Russian financial institutions, companies, and wealthy individuals close to the Russian government. These sanctions include freezing assets, banning transactions with Russian banks, and restricting Russia’s access to Western technology and financial systems.
- Trade Restrictions - Starting in 2022, the sanctions expanded to include restrictions on importing Russian oil and gas, crucial exports for Russia’s economy. These measures were intended to limit Russia’s ability to finance its military actions in Ukraine and pressure the government to alter its aggressive stance.
- Military Actions - Since 2022, NATO countries have provided Ukraine with military aid, including weapons, training, and intelligence support, aiming to counter Russia’s military advances and deter further aggression. While this support was indirect, it exemplifies hard power through the use of military force in response to Russia’s actions.
Why is hard power not always effective? (5+ex)
- Failure in Major Conflicts: Since 2001, military power has often failed in complex conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. Military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya demonstrate the limitations of using military force to resolve deeply rooted political, ethnic, or ideological issues.
Example: The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 led to a prolonged conflict, with insurgencies and instability persisting for years. - Ineffective Against Non-State Actors: Military force struggles to counter contemporary non-state actors, such as insurgent groups or terrorist organizations, which operate through asymmetrical tactics. These groups are often embedded within local populations, making military force less effective.
Example: The difficulty in defeating the Taliban in Afghanistan despite years of military intervention highlights the limitations of military power in fighting non-state actors. - Destabilizing Effects: In some instances, military power can exacerbate instability, leading to unintended consequences like power vacuums and the rise of extremist groups.
Example: NATO’s intervention in Libya resulted in the collapse of the Libyan government, creating a power vacuum that led to the rise of militias and instability in the region. - Long-term Costs and Erosion of Credibility: The long-term costs—both human and financial—of military interventions often outweigh the benefits, eroding the credibility of states that rely heavily on military force. This leads to declining international support and an inability to foster long-term stability.
Example: The ongoing costs of military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan have led to domestic and international fatigue with hard power strategies. - Erosion of Soft Power: Over-reliance on military intervention can damage a state’s reputation, diminishing its soft power. Countries that engage in frequent military interventions may be seen as imperialist or aggressive, reducing their global appeal.
Example: The U.S.’s military presence in the Middle East has often been perceived negatively, impacting its international relations and soft power.
Why is hard power effective? (3+ex)
- Deterrence and Immediate Security: Military strength remains essential for deterring potential aggressors and maintaining national security, particularly when facing direct threats from other states.
Example: The U.S.’s nuclear deterrence during the Cold War, preventing large-scale conflict between superpowers. - Quick Conflict Resolution: Military intervention can provide rapid solutions to conflicts when diplomacy fails, often preventing prolonged violence and instability.
Example: NATO intervention in Kosovo to stop ethnic cleansing and prevent a humanitarian disaster. - Restoring Order in Failed States: In cases where states collapse, military action can restore stability and order. Hard power is sometimes necessary to prevent total anarchy and stabilize regions.
Example: U.S. intervention in post-Taliban Afghanistan, aiming to stabilize the country after the fall of its government. - Economic and Military Pressure for Compliance: Hard power tools like economic sanctions and military threats exert pressure on states to comply with international norms or agreements.
Example: Sanctions on Iran forced negotiations on their nuclear program.
Is Military Power Declining in Importance? (3+ex)
- Decline in Inter-State War: The frequency of inter-state wars has decreased, and military conflict between states is nearly non-existent. Conventional armies deployed against states are seen as outdated, as the world faces more complex security threats.
Example: The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, while still inter-state, demonstrates that military power remains relevant in some instances but is increasingly rare in the broader global context.
- Rise of Intra-State Conflict: Military power is less effective in addressing intra-state wars, which are on the rise. Civil wars, insurgencies, and the growing threat of non-state actors make military intervention increasingly complex and difficult to justify.
Example: The Syrian civil war, where foreign military interventions have failed to resolve the conflict or restore order, highlights the challenges of using military force in complex, internal conflicts.
- Public Reluctance and Political Challenges: There is a growing reluctance among the public and political leaders, especially in Western countries, to deploy military forces abroad. This reluctance, along with the difficulty in finding legitimacy for military interventions, limits the use of hard power in global conflicts.
Example: The lack of political will in Europe and the U.S. to intervene militarily in conflicts like the Syrian civil war demonstrates this shift.
What is soft power?
Soft power is the ability to get what you want by attracting and persuading others to adopt your goals.
1) Takes years to create
2) State needs high credibilit
Example of soft power
1) China investing 1.4 trillion dollars to infrastructure in Africa, in exchange for natural resources
China’s investment of $1.4 trillion in infrastructure projects in Africa can be seen as an example of soft power because it uses economic influence and diplomatic engagement rather than coercive military force to achieve its objectives. Soft power focuses on the ability to shape the preferences and actions of others through attraction and persuasion rather than through force or coercion.
2) The three-finger salute
It is an example of soft power because it symbolizes solidarity and resistance without using violence or force. Originating from the Hunger Games movie, the gesture was adopted by protesters in Thailand after the 2014 coup. It later spread to Myanmar in 2021 following a military coup, where it became a symbol of defiance against oppression.
This use of cultural symbolism and non-coercive resistance allows the protesters to challenge oppressive regimes through attraction and persuasion, key elements of soft power.
Can military be used as a form of soft power? (2 ex)
Military power is not just used to force other groups into action. It is frequently used for humanitarian objectives and to prevent human suffering in the aftermath of natural disasters. For example:
1) In 2014, the United States, France and the United Kingdom sent troops to Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone to help tackle the Ebola crisis.
2) Troops were sent to Haiti in 2009 to help deal with the earthquake, and to South Asia in 2005 to help deal with the tsunami.
Militant groups often respond to humanitarian disasters, too. For example, after the Pakistan floods of 2011, the Pakistani Taliban sought to increase their soft power by launching their own relief operations.
Challenges of soft power (4)
- Soft power can take years to create, but may be lost in an instant or in a single image. Building soft power is slow, requiring years of effort (e.g., promoting democracy), but can be lost instantly (e.g., Abu Ghraib scandal), damaging trust. This highlights the realist view that power, not influence, is the ultimate tool for state survival.
Example - For example, photographs of US soldiers mistreating prisoners in Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq in 2003 became synonymous with a military campaign that many people considered illegitimate and illegal. Trust and credibility are essential if states and groups want to use soft power in order to persuade. - Cultural and Societal Embeddedness: Soft power values (e.g., human rights) are shaped by culture, making them harder to control. What works in one culture (e.g., Paris) may fail in another (e.g., Damascus), aligning with liberalism’s focus on promoting universal values but facing cultural barriers.
- Realism vs. Idealism: Realists prioritize military/economic power over soft power, seeing it as secondary, while liberals argue soft power can foster cooperation and democracy, but its effectiveness is still limited by realpolitik.
- Inconsistent Messaging: If a state’s external values contradict its internal policies (e.g., promoting democracy while restricting freedoms), its soft power is weakened. Collectivism shows how group-based values may clash with liberal ideals, complicating persuasive efforts.
Benefits of soft power (9)
- Cultural Influence: Shapes global attitudes through culture, values, and ideas, promoting ideals like democracy and freedom.
- Diplomatic Leverage: Enhances trust and credibility, making diplomatic negotiations easier.
- Cost-Effective: Avoids the costs and risks associated with military or economic power.
- Long-Term Relationships: Builds lasting alliances based on shared values, fostering cooperation.
- National Reputation: Strengthens a country’s global image, helping achieve foreign policy goals.
- Economic Opportunities: Attracts trade, investment, and tourism, contributing to economic growth.
- Promotes Global Values: Advances causes like human rights and democracy through cultural, academic, and diplomatic channels.
- Conflict Avoidance: Resolves tensions peacefully, reducing the need for military action.
- National Security: Enhances security by creating strong international alliances and improving global perceptions.
What is smart power?
Achieving aims through a combination of force, persuasion and influence (hard power + soft power)
Example of smart power
- The nuclear deal signed between Iran and P5+1 in July 2015. The P5+1 used a combination of tactics: diplomatic negotiations, economic sanctions and an unstated but possible threa of military force. Foreign Affairs magazine praised this as a textbook example of successfully conceived and implemented foreign policy.
- Violent protest groups such as Hezbollah not only use hard power against their adversaries, but also build and run schools, establish and maintain health care facilities, and participate in democratic coalition politics in the Lebanese parliament.
Measure of economic power (3)
1) GDP
2) GDP per person
3) Economic growth %
Examples of economic power
1) It is possible for states to seek only economic power.
Japan and Germany have large economies. However, since the end of the Second World War they have chosen to pursue economic power only and to not seek to increase their military power. They have small armed forces, which they use rarely, and only as a part of international coalitions.
2) States can use economic power as a form of hard power (sanctions etc)
States frequently impose sanctions on other states to force them to change their behaviour. For example, tough sanctions were placed on the Iranian economy by the United States and European Union in order to force Iran to negotiate a deal to reduce its nuclear weapons programme.
3) It’s also possible for states to develop an economic relationship that balances out
each state’s economic strengths/weaknesses
China depends on natural resources from Africa, Africa depends on China for FDI in infrastructure).
What is economic power?
Economic power is the ability of a state to influence global affairs through its economic strength, using tools such as trade, investment, sanctions, and financial leverage to achieve political and strategic goals.
