Core Topics: Understanding power and global politics

What is an actor?

individuals, groups, or organizations that play a role in shaping, influencing, or making political decisions

Examples of actors

• Various branches of government

• Political parties and their members

• Elected officials

• Activist groups

• Businesses and industry groups that the government regulates or that may lobby for specific policies

• NGOs that engage in political advocacy

• IGOs like the United Nations or the European Union

• Military or terrorist organizations, when they engage in political action or influence

What is a stakeholder?

individuals or groups that have an interest in, or are affected by, political decisions. They may not be directly involved in making or implementing policy, but they have a “stake” in the outcomes.

Examples of stakeholders

• Citizens and residents affected by public policy

• Taxpayers whose contributions fund government programs

• Workers impacted by labour laws or economic policy

• Communities that experience the effects of decisions

• Vulnerable groups such as refugees, minority groups, or people with disabilities

• Future generations who will live with the long-term consequences of political decisions

• Consumers who are affected by regulations or trade agreements

• Users of public services like schools or hospitals

What is power?

the ability to affect others to get the outcomes you want

What is power-over?

an asymmetrical relation between two or more actors or group of actors

What is power-to?

the ability of the actor herself to carry out certain specific outcomes

What is power-with?

the ability of a group to act together in view of collective outcomes or goals.