Politics Among Nations

What Is Political Power?

Like all forms of politics, international politics “is a struggle for power” (31). Morgenthau argues that even when politicians ostensibly have other goals such as “freedom,” “security,” or “prosperity” (31), any attempt to achieve these goals using international relations is still mired in issues of power. Nonetheless, some actions in international relations are not about politics or power, such as a routine trade treaty between countries. Also, the author acknowledges that some nations are not as involved in international relations as others are.

Morgenthau defines power as a form of dominance that a person or group exercises over others. This power does not always come from violence; it can also arise from loyalty or expectations around awards or detriments. Furthermore, there are distinctions between “usable and unusable power” (32); nuclear weapons are an example of unusable power. There is also the difference between “legitimate and illegitimate power” (32); for example, a country’s decision to violate international law in order to declare war on a neighboring nation would be an example of illegitimate power.

Power often relies on influence rather than on compulsion. For example, one nation may use economic and trade policies to secure political influence over another nation.