Definition and elements of power in international relations.
Definition and elements of power in international relations.
Define power. Analyze the elements of power in international relations.
Power in international relations.
Elements of power.
The concept of power in international relations.
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Concept and Definition Power:-
International relations expert Hans J. Morgenthau in his book Politics Among Nations, while pointing out the definition of power , said that power refers to the control over the mind and actions of others. According to him, the power or force of one nation over the mind and actions of another nation is national power.
According to Organski, international power is the ability to control and influence other nations.
According to Joseph Frankel, power is the ability to influence the actions of others to achieve desired outcomes.
According to Karl Deuss, the ability of a state to control the behavior of other states according to its own will.
Elements of Power in International Relations:-
Organski, in his book World Politics, opines that the most important characteristic of a state is power. The role a state will play in international relations is largely determined by power or strength. The elements of energy or power are –
1. Geographical Location :- Favorable geographical location is able to influence the country's military and security arrangements. For example, the current superpower of the unipolar world, the United States of America 3,000 miles to the east and 6,000 miles to the west, puts it in an advantageous position in terms of security.
2. Area of the State :- It is generally believed that the larger the size of the state, the greater its power. But this assumption is not always correct. Because Canada, Australia and other countries are large in size but weak in terms of military power; Although Israel is a small country, it is much stronger militarily.
3. Topography :- Geography is also important to national power in the modern world. Transportation and communication systems are largely dependent on topography. Adverse and hostile topography creates obstacles to a country's economic development, political unity and even national defense.
4. Climate :- Climate affects national power by determining human performance. According to international relations experts, the temperate zone is conducive to the emergence of a country as a superpower. Adequate rainfall in the tropical monsoon region results in higher agricultural production and increased economic development.
5. Population :- Population or human resource is one of the determining factors of national strength. A strong, skilled and educated population plays an effective role in defence, economic development and nation building. If the population is large, the search for representation, leadership, and talent in various fields is likely to be easier. But there are exceptions. For example, although Japan is a country with a small population, its overall development and national strength are remarkable.
6. Natural Resources :- If a country wants to emerge as a powerful country in the modern world, it must be rich in natural resources. Modern defense systems require high quality steel, mineral oil, uranium and other mineral resources. Natural resources are essential for technological development, industrialization, etc.
7. Financial capability:- It is not possible for any country to prosper in national power without economic capacity. Industrialized countries in the present world are therefore in an advantageous position in terms of national power. In fact, if the rate of economic development of a country is not favorable, it is not possible for it to use its human resources and natural resources. Development is also not possible in the field of technology without economic capability. By exploiting the development of this technology, Japan has been able to establish itself as a developed power.
8. Military system:- In the current international situation, it is not possible for any country to establish itself in the international arena without a strong military system. Not just the traditional army, navy and air force; Along with this, a country's military power currently depends on nuclear weapons, intercontinental ballistic missiles and other powerful weapons in line with current needs.
9. Nature of Government :- According to Hans J. Morgenthau, effective foreign policy is not possible without a good government. The role of the state in the national and international arena depends on the nature of the government. However, along with the political leaders of the government, the activism of the bureaucrats is also significant in this regard.
10. National characteristics:- The power of a country depends to a great extent on the national characteristics and self-confidence of the people of that country. For example, because of strong patriotism and strong morale, a country like Vietnam was able to successfully fight against a big power like the United States for a long time.
11. Diplomacy :- Many have described diplomacy as the brain of national power. According to Morgenthau, diplomacy is the most important of the elements on which a nation's power is built. Through diplomacy a country can effectively exercise other elements of its national power.
12. International Role and Coexistence:- A country's effective participation in international politics is an important component of that country's national strength. By participating and playing a role in international politics and institutions and forming alliances, a state can position itself in an advantageous position in the international arena. Some experts in international politics have identified a country's participation in international politics as the greatest element of national power.
Finally, the overall identity of strength or power cannot be obtained through the analysis of any one or a few elements. Each element has a functional role to play in national power. However, the elements power are also changing in the modern technological world.
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