Definitions of Power PDF

Definitions of Power This series of classes requires the following course reading: Definitions of Power reading (on Canvas) Heywood Global Politics pages 217-222 A region of your choice from both Divided and Prisoners of Geography. Simplified definition of ‘power’ 1. Power is the ability to...

Definitions of Power This series of classes requires the following course reading: Definitions of Power reading (on Canvas) Heywood Global Politics pages 217-222 A region of your choice from both Divided and Prisoners of Geography. Simplified definition of ‘power’ 1. Power is the ability to control or influence the behaviour of people (or any other actor - states, NGOs, IGOs etc.) 2. Power that is legitimate is referred to as authority. 3. Power exists in all social relationships between human beings. Joseph Nye, Harvard professor of international relations outlines two types of power: 1. Hard power - use of military force, or sanctions 2. Soft power - outreach, aid or cultural ties A strategy that balances both is known as ‘smart power’ - for example diplomacy or negotiations on arms control with Iran and North Korea. Power is distributed amongst countries differently during different stages of history. Power comes from many different sources, not limited to: 1. Military power 2. Economic power 3. Cultural power (think Hollywood) 4. Geographic location (Think Singapore and the Strait of Malacca) 5. Control of natural resources (think Saudi Arabian oil reserves) 6. Structural power - control of the framework of international politics / law 7. Relational power - existing relationships that create dependence  What is Power? 1. How do EU institutions have power over citizens of EU States? 2. “As EU law has primacy over the national law of EU member states, the court can disapply domestic laws.” How would this make you feel as an EU citizen?  Clarifying ‘Power’ in the context of ‘levels of analysis’ What or who controls your actions as Do you consider this Level of Analysis an individual from this level of legitimate authority? Why? analysis, and how? Global: Transgresses national boundaries and has far reaching and lasting impact across the planet. International: Transgresses national boundaries but the impact has a reach and impact which is significant, and which transgresses different regions. Regional: A geographical area which covers a large, yet specifically defined domain. National: The Geographic boundaries of a particular state. Local: An area which is both spatially and ecologically defined, but also has institutional and emotional connections. Community: A small area where social organisation is created and where culture is passed from one generation to the next.  Joseph Nye; Historian, Diplomat, Professor and Author "As we think of power in the 21st century, we want to get away from the idea that power’s always zero sum — my gain is your loss and vice versa. Power can also be a positive sum, where your gain can be my gain." - Joseph Nye "In the information age, it's not just whose army wins, but whose story wins." - Joseph Nye "Power is the ability to affect others to get the outcomes you want, and that can be done by coercion, payment or attraction." - Joseph Nye The national interest is predetermined by geopolitics or the history of a country. Important political leaders never just followed their interests - they were concerned about the interests of their people." - Joseph Nye "Money and donations are an important part of [the American] political system. They are hard power." - Joseph Nye "Terrorism is like jujitsu: The small players win if they make the large player use his strength against himself." - Joseph Nye Idea , thing or What did you know or think about How have your ideas changed now? concept this idea before? Authority Soft Power Hard Power The EU We will look more deeply into the idea of Hard and Soft Power in the next lesson.