ABSTRACT
‘Power’ is the keyword of IR. States seek power, balance power or manage power, regardless of theoretical nuances of understanding and methodological nuances of assessing it. Why is international politics so much about power?
This chapter covers fundamentals of thinking about power in international politics. Power is not only complex, but it is multifaceted. Power is control over resources and control over outcomes. It is about persuading and punishment. It is also about shaping agenda and preferences of others. These manifestations of power are not always seen in same places.
Power is also hard to measure. Simple calculations are often misleading, while complicated ones are tricky. Some examples are provided.
Some states are more successful in a race for power; and these great powers have traditionally been in the focus of IR research. Defining great powers and assessing strategic implications of balance of power principle is also a part of this chapter.
