Studied by 2 people
What is power?
Having influence over others to achieve your desired goals.
Types of power
soft
hard
smart
sharp
What is soft power?
Using persuasion to achieve one’s goals
persuasion
encouragement
convincing
influence
→ Development aid is a key tool for powerful states like the US to advance their interests through persuasion. Most USAID goes to countries crucial for US security; in 2015, Afghanistan and Pakistan were top recipients.
→ China pledged $1.4 trillion for African infrastructure, gaining favorable access to natural resources.
What is hard power?
Achieving aims through force
coercion
force
threats
→ In 2014, the US and others launched military action against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq as they were unwilling to negotiate due to lack of soft and smart power alternatives.
→ In 2003, the US coalition used military force against Saddam Hussein, criticized for not giving UN weapons inspectors more time. Critics suggested a "smart power" approach combining inspections with the threat of force.
What is smart power?
Achieving aims through both force and persuasion
→ The 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and P5+1 involved diplomatic talks, sanctions, and potential military pressure.
→ Hezbollah (Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and military group, violent protest group) used hard power against their oppositions, but as well as built and ran schools, established and maintained health care facilities, and participates in democratic coalition politics in the Lebanese parliament.
What is sharp power?
Using manipulation to achieve goals (faking info and spreading it)
→ Allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 US election
→ China's growing disinformation campaigns targeting American voters
MELNS Capabilities
Power is seen as a capability/possession where it is measurable
Military strength
Economic strength
Land mass & geographic
Natural resources
Size/skill population
Military power
The armed forces of a nation
measured through defence spending, armed forces, weapons and platforms
Successful: helps ensure safety and stability
Failures: rarely works alone
Economic power
A country’s ability to influence the global or regional economy
Successful: It ensures that the country does not have to depend on others without jeopardizing its freedom
Failures:
Structural/relational power
Social, cultural and cyber power
Resource power
Problems with power vs capabilities
Capabilities are latent and potential, and are not actual REAL power
Quantity =/= quality
Change is always happening, it is not always permanent
Realism
A group of related theories that attempt to explain therole of power in the global political system
Classical Realism
Human nature wants power
Humans strive for hegemony
It leads to the end of the world
Structural Realism
States pursue power because of survival
It leads to the end of their survival
Note
Flashcard