1.1 Key Terms Flashcards
(21 cards)
Politics
Any question that deals with how power is distributed and how it operates within social organization.
Power
The ability to effect change and obtain a desired outcome.
Joseph Nye’s Definition (Power)
The ability to influence others to get the outcome you want.
Capability Power
The potential power of a nation-state or organization, quantifiable through armed forces, GDP, natural resources, population size, etc.
Hard Power
Coercion through force, including military threats, sanctions, and direct military intervention.
Soft Power
Using diplomacy, persuasion, and influence to gain desired outcomes, focusing on building relationships and mutual benefits.
Smart Power
A mix of hard and soft power, used in complex situations where neither soft nor hard power alone is sufficient.
Military Power
Essential to hard power; the ultimate means to force compliance.
Economic Power
The ability to use wealth to obtain desired outcomes, measured through GDP and economic growth.
Social & Cultural Power
Exporting and sharing culture to influence other states, often driven by globalization.
Cyber Power
Using online technology to create advantages over states, organizations, and institutions.
Relational Power
Using established relationships to influence and change behavior.
Structural Power
Influencing political ideas, structures, and frameworks of global politics.
Economic Power
In the form of sanctions.
Military Power
Direct military force.
Threats/Verbal
Using threats to influence behavior.
Key elements of soft power
Strong Economies: Economic strength as a basis for influence.
Relational Power: Building relationships and alliances.
Structural Power: Influencing political structures and frameworks.
Cultural: Using cultural exchange and influence.
Digital: Utilizing digital platforms for influence.
Joseph Nye’s Three Pillars of Soft Power
- Political Values
- Culture
- Foreign Policy
Influential Thinkers on Power
John Mearsheimer: Known for his theories on power politics.
Joseph Nye: Developed the concepts of hard, soft, and smart power.
Hannah Arendt: Known for her work on the nature of power and authority.
Limitations of Hard Power
Globalization: Increased interdependence and interconnectedness reduce the effectiveness of hard power.
Power of the People: Improved education and technology empower people to pressure governments into using soft power tactics.
Susan Strange’s Four Primary Power Structures
Knowledge Structure: Influences beliefs, ideas, or perceptions.
Financial Structure: Controls access to credit or investment.
Security Structure: Shapes defense and strategic issues.
Production Structure: Affects economic development and prosperity.
