Sociology | Mercantile Law | International Law | International Relations
Power & Elements of National Power
National Power is fundamentally a mantra given by and believed in by the Realist school of thought in International Relations. Having assumed this world as anarchic, the realists emphasize upon accumulation of power by a state as inevitable. As far as the parameters of measuring the national power is concerned, realists do measure it in relative terms. The criterion set to determine national power is a collection of different elements that collectively assess it.
What is Power?
In simplest terms of understanding, power is the capacity to get a thing done from someone who would not have done this otherwise.
What is National Power?
National power refers to the capacity of a state to use its influence, force or authority upon another state.
Realists’ View of National Power
Realist school of thought view national power as ultimate as well as the immediate goal of a state. According to them a state must never give up accumulating national power after all it is in competition with friends as well as foes.
Elements of National Power
Elements of national power are the factor which determine the power of a state. Status of these elements is basically the parameter that may enhance or decline the national power of a state. Some of the major elements have been elaborated below;
A. Geography
Geography does not only include the size and location of a state which determine national power but also strategic position, climate, topography etc. Role of geography can be seen in terms that the USSR and the USA had been super powers of the world and both carried vast territories. But that is not always the case. Britain has small territory of its own but its control on seas empowered it to rule over the world.
B. Economy
In the contemporary world order, the thing which matters the most is the powerful and stable economy of a state. China is a clear example which due to its economy emerges out to be the next world super power. Even the USA which is super power now has a vibrant economy.
C. Military
With economy, military might be also essential to enhance national power. China might be an economic giant but it has limited military capacity as compared to the US. Thus the USA surpasses it in national power.
D. Technology
Technological advancement emerges out to be another modern element of national power. Technology is something that is shared in every field whether it is military, science, agriculture or another department of state. A state technologically advance shares superiority over the other. For instance, during the Cold War, the USA shared technological superiority over the USSR.
E. Natural Resources
Natural resources are another element of national power. What matters in real is not the presence of natural resources but it is their exploitation. If exploited to the maximum benefit, natural resources can be helpful in enhancing national power.
F. National Unity and Population
Population type and its skills determine national power. And if the population of a nation is united, it empowers the nation better.
G. Ideology
Ideology is traditional element of national power. It matters less but still matters to determine national power. This is because of the reason that ideology plays role in determining structure of state.