ABSTRACT
The phenomenon of power seems to be one of the vaguest and irresolvable issues in classical political philosophy. However, we could remain impressed by the theoretical indications made by Hobbes, Machiavelli, Locke, Clausewitz, De Jouvenel or Aron, but we still have not managed to gain a comprehensive response. The chapter examines power in today's Europe by using conceptual instruments provided by Lukes. Listening carefully to the rhetoric of Putin and his Russian elite shows how clearly it fits a two-dimensional view of power. The new authoritarianism seems to be largely based on a return to power as the ability to disclose conflicts that are uncomfortable for the actors in power. Europe, so committed to liberal values, is now seeing the rise of nationalism. The first step is to listen to the far-right narrative and try to understand its appeal. Doing so carefully easily shows that it tells a story about power, a "romantic" one involving strong values.
