1.1 Key Terms

Question 1

Politics

Answer 1

Any question that deals with how power is distributed and how it operates within social organization.

Question 2

Power

Answer 2

The ability to effect change and obtain a desired outcome.

Question 3

Joseph Nye’s Definition (Power)

Answer 3

The ability to influence others to get the outcome you want.

Question 4

Capability Power

Answer 4

The potential power of a nation-state or organization, quantifiable through armed forces, GDP, natural resources, population size, etc.

Question 5

Hard Power

Answer 5

Coercion through force, including military threats, sanctions, and direct military intervention.

Question 6

Soft Power

Answer 6

Using diplomacy, persuasion, and influence to gain desired outcomes, focusing on building relationships and mutual benefits.

Question 7

Smart Power

Answer 7

A mix of hard and soft power, used in complex situations where neither soft nor hard power alone is sufficient.

Question 8

Military Power

Answer 8

Essential to hard power; the ultimate means to force compliance.

Question 9

Economic Power

Answer 9

The ability to use wealth to obtain desired outcomes, measured through GDP and economic growth.

Question 10

Social & Cultural Power

Answer 10

Exporting and sharing culture to influence other states, often driven by globalization.

Question 11

Cyber Power

Answer 11

Using online technology to create advantages over states, organizations, and institutions.

Question 12

Relational Power

Answer 12

Using established relationships to influence and change behavior.

Question 13

Structural Power

Answer 13

Influencing political ideas, structures, and frameworks of global politics.

Question 14

Economic Power

Answer 14

In the form of sanctions.

Question 15

Military Power

Answer 15

Direct military force.

Question 16

Threats/Verbal

Answer 16

Using threats to influence behavior.

Question 17

Key elements of soft power

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Joseph Nye’s Three Pillars of Soft Power

Answer 18

• Political Values
• Culture
• Foreign Policy

Question 19

Influential Thinkers on Power

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Limitations of Hard Power

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Susan Strange’s Four Primary Power Structures

Answer 21

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.