Another description of power is states achieving military victories or state security within the international system. For example a state that takes part in successful military campaigns and comes out victorious is often describes as powerful. Similarly a state that manages to protect its sovereignty and security from significant challenges may also be seen as a powerful nation. 1
Power can also be defined according to resources and capabilities of a state. This definition of power is quantitative and tends to be used by geo-politicians. Capabilities of a state are also considered in determining power and they are measurable, weighable, and quantifiable assets. 1
Additionally certain political scientists distinguish between two forms of power, one known as hard power the other soft power. Soft power in international relations is the attempt to influence through good example, appealing to a common accepted human value. Soft power includes measures such as diplomacy, propaganda and analysis to achieve political ends.
On the other hand hard power is a reference to coercive measures such as use of armed force or threat to use force. Economic sanctions and pressure long with other forms of intimidation are all generally associated with hard power. Stronger nations on the international stage are one who tend to use this form of power in order to alter domestic affairs of other states through the use of military force or threat to do so. Realist thinkers such as John Mearsheimer are supporters of the idea arguing it assists in balancing the international system.
A number of terms have been drawn up in order to distinguish between the different powerful nations and the level of power they possess. Firstly a ‘Superpower’ is as defined by fox 1994 “ a great power plus great mobility of power”. A superpower is generally acknowledged to be a vastly powerful nation, within the international system, in terms of military, economical capabilities as well as cultural spread. A prime example of a superpower is no doubt the United States. Second to a superpower is a ‘Great power’ which is a term that refers to any nations that hold a strong political and economical influence over other nations. The United Kingdom is often considered to be a great power.
There is also the idea of ‘Regional power’ which is the term used to describe a nation that enjoys power and influence within its surrounding region. Egypt is a traditional regional power possessing a great deal of influence and power over its surrounding region. Finally a ‘Middle power’ is the description of an influential state that can not be described as a great power. India and Brazil are considered to be major middle powers with potential to be great powers.
Having explored and described power in international relations it is also essential to define sovereignty. Sovereignty is commonly defined as “the government is the supreme or exclusive authority within specified borders”. In other words if a state is sovereign, it holds the ultimate power within its given borders and it decides for itself how to react to external and internal issues without the influence of others. Furthermore it is vital to note that sovereignty is based on authority as Lake points out “authority must contain some measure of legitimacy”.
Sovereignty plays a major role in determining the power and status of a nation within world politics as it is when a nation is self determined it is respected. Clark highlights the importance of sovereignty quoting “international politics is about the relationships between states, regardless of the nature of the states themselves, and changes in patterns of domestic order do not, in turn, lead to new patterns of international order”. Sovereign states express the power they possess in the International world and interact as independent units even though they might be subject to pressure and influence by more powerful states. This does not infringe the states sovereignty although they might be subject to cohesion by greater, more powerful states as it does not constitute an authoritative relationship.
According to Liberal theorists states despite being sovereign in an anarchical world share numerous similar interests therefore allowing them to cooperate amongst each other which results in the emergence of cooperation subsystems which hold a great deal of power. An example of this is the creation of the European Union which many argue has been given too much power thus limiting the power of the sovereign states.
Ever since the Westphalian peace which introduced the idea of state sovereignty there have been forms of conditional sovereignty. An example of this is international law and treaties. International law rules that acts of genocide and wars of aggression are prohibited. Most states enjoy full sovereignty and power as long as they abide by these rules. However if a nation fails to respect international law they may face consequences that eventually affects its own sovereignty and becomes over powered. For example as Iraq invaded Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf war it was a clear indication of Iraq’s aggressive intentions as well as limiting Kuwait sovereignty. As a result the international community responded with severe sanctions and military force against Iraq. Therefore international law plays a major role in International relations as it is the guide states must follow in order to enjoy their sovereignty.
Furthermore the power of states is vital when taking into consideration the states sovereignty and status in the world. The international world has throughout history and still today seems to provide superpowers with special rights. Supwerpowers who enjoy a great deal of power are accepted as different actors in International relations in comparison to other states. These super power assert power and influence over other states despite their sovereign status as the superpower hold predominant roles in international organisations and to some extent can set the international agenda. For example following the 9/11 attacks the US managed to implement a ‘war on terror’ amongst the international community. Furthermore at the time of the Cold war the US and USSR’s possessed vast influence over all parts of the world and this was never deemed illegal. Even today it is believe that the US holds over 700 military bases on foreign soil. 5
In conclusion International relations and world politics would appear to allow all states in the world to express their own sovereignty and enjoy excessive power over the borders of their nation states. However power ceded to certain organisations such as the EU may limit the freedom of nations even within its own borders. Furthermore International law will always keep in check nations do not act out of reason and affect fellow sovereign states. And finally the amount of power a nation holds is vastly important in determining its sovereignty and freedom within the international world as it is clear that Superpowers enjoy a greater status and much more freedom than their less powerful counterparts. Therefore the worlds superpowers would seem are above state sovereignty and dominate world politics.
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Bibliography
Jackson, R. And Sorenses, G.: “Introduction to International Relations. Theories and Approaches”, Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2003.
Hobson, J.M., and Sharman, J.C., (2005) ‘The Enduring Place of Hierarchy in World Politics: Tracing the Social Logics of Hierarchy and Political Change’ In: European Journal of International Relations Vol. 11, No. 1
Clark, I. (2003) The Hierarchy of States: Reform and Resistance in the International Order (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
Marcella, G (2004) NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE INTERAGENCY PROCESS
Lake, D.A., (2003) ‘The New Sovereignty in International Relations’ In: International Studies Review 5.
Gabriel Marcella 2004 ch.17
Hobson and Sharman 2005, pp. 50-120
Jackson and Sorensos 2003 pp 100-112