Key Point:Power is the ability to control or influence the behaviour of people. Power that is considered legitimate may be referred to as authority. Power exists in all social relationships between human beings.
Do you agree with this definition of power? How might you define power differently? Write your own definition of power on a post-it note and add it to the wall. Take a few minutes to look at other people's definitions. We will come back to these definitions later.
Let's consider how the concept of power relates to our everyday life. Brainstorm all of the people who have (or have had) power over you in your life. Try to think outside of the box and move beyond the obvious answers suggested below. You may also consider who you have power over in your life.
The IB defines power in these terms: Power can be seen as ability to effect change and, rather than being viewed as a unitary or independent force, is as an aspect of relations among people functioning within a social organization. Contested relationships between people and groups of people dominate politics, particularly in this era of increased globalization, and so understanding the dynamics of power plays a prominent role in understanding global politics.
We can see that power is not as simple a concept as we may have first thought. Many writers argue that there are different types of power and there are many competing theories of power. Have a look at these short video clips and, while watching them, consider:
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How might we distinguish between different types of power?
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Do you want to modify your original definition of power in any way?
What is the source of power for the people in this clip? Write down your answers.
Joseph Nye - The Godfather of Power
Joseph Nye is considered to be one of the foremost thinkers on the nature of power. Watch the following clip and take notes on what he says are the main forms of power and how they operate. You should be prepared to cite Nye in your writing.
Power in Practice
This scene is from a programme called The Young Pope. Watch the clip and consider firstly what type of power the Pope is using and, secondly, what the source of his power and authority is.
As you can see power comes in many different types and forms and there are degrees to its utility. In your book answer the following questions.
1. What are the main forms of power? provide a definition in your own words. What type of power do the following actors have?
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States
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IGOs
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NGOs
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MNCs
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NSAs
2. How useful and effective is the power that each of these actors possesses? Provide examples which show the shortcomings of the power of each of these actors.