Flashcards Power Core Topic

Power

The ability to control or influence the behavior of people; exists in all social relationships between human beings.

Example of Power

The United States using tariffs to pressure other countries during international trade negotiations.

Hard Power

Power that involves using force and money to push a political actor into doing something they may not have done otherwise.

Example of Hard Power

In 2021, the World Bank suspended funds being sent to Sudan to support their transition to a civilian government because of a military coup in October of that year.

Soft Power

The ability to affect change in others by 'framing the agenda' or establishing the norms or expectations.

Example of Soft Power

Hollywood helps promote American values and culture, resulting in citizens and leaders of other countries being drawn towards American norms.

Smart Power

The ability to combine hard and soft power into successful strategies where they reinforce rather than undercut each other.

Example of Smart Power

The United States combining military assistance to Ukraine with diplomatic negotiations and economic aid.

Structural Power

The influence wielded by actors, often states or groups of states, but at times also including influential corporations or international institutions.

Example of Structural Power

The United States' influence over global financial systems through the dominance of the U.S. dollar.

Resource Power

The assets an actor possesses.

Example of Resource Power

Saudi Arabia using its oil resources to influence global energy markets.

Relational Power

The actual outcome or influence that comes out of resources; behavior.

Example of Relational Power

The United States influencing NATO members to increase their defense spending/budgets.

Cyberpower

Power that uses cyberspace to create advantages and influence events.

Example of Cyberpower

In 2023, China's Ministry of State Security said in the report that the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) carried out attacks on the servers of China's technology company Huawei in an effort to steal data.

Structural Violence

Harm caused by social, political, and economic structures that systematically block people from meeting their basic needs or realizing their full potential.

Example of Structural Violence

Native American communities on some reservations experience inadequate access to safe drinking water and healthcare because of long-standing funding shortages and systemic barriers.