Reference no: EM132717282
This week we examine power in international relations. International relations is the study of the interactions among the various actors that participate in international politics, including states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, sub-national entities like bureaucracies and local government, and individuals.
This week we examine power balance theory. Balance of power is a theory of how an equal distribution of power influences international peace and stability.
Baldwin (1985) classifies the means of influence in international relations, which includes the following:
1. Symbolic means
2. Economic means
3. Military means
4. Diplomatic means
Whether power is effective at influencing outcomes depends on the power potential of each party. A state's power potential depends on its natural sources of energy. The three most important natural sources of power are Geographic size and position, Natural resources, and Population.
In international relations, power is also viewed in tangible and intangible means. Tangible sources of power are something we can measure, such as industrial development or military might. On the other hand, intangible sources of power include soft power, national images, and leadership.