Power (politics & law)

Definition

Power in political and legal contexts encompasses hard power, involving the use of force or coercion, and soft power, which is persuasive and based on intangible factors like culture and ideology. Hard power relies on military and economic means to influence others, while soft power shapes preferences through non-coercive methods like diplomacy and cultural influence. The effectiveness of both types depends on factors like credibility, legitimacy, and accessibility of resources, with soft power being seen as more sustainable over time due to its ability to co-opt others voluntarily.  Military operations are influenced by power dynamics, where hard power involves aggressive means to pressure others, while soft power focuses on persuasion and attraction. The credibility of threats, constitutional constraints, and legitimacy play crucial roles in determining the effectiveness of power usage. With its persuasive nature, soft power offers a more sustainable approach to exercising power over time compared to hard power's coercive methods.

Source

Bloor, K. 2022. Power and Development in Global Politics, pp. 1-20

https://www.e-ir.info/2022/05/21/power-and-development-in-global-politics/

Key words

Power

Political Influence

Legal Authority

Hard Power

Soft Power

Coercion

Persuasion

Diplomacy

Military Operations

Credibility