Metrics
53 Record Views
Encyclopedia entry
Power and National Capability
Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics
Oxford University Press
08/22/2017
Abstract
Power is a crucial concept for international relations scholars. Of particular importance for those interested in understanding foreign policy is knowing how power manifests as national capabilities. Understanding the relationship between power and capabilities allows for comparison and contrast of the various foreign policy tools leaders have at their disposal as they attempt to achieve their goals. Despite the importance of power, scholars still debate the best means for conceptualizing and operationalizing the concept. The all-encompassing nature of power makes it difficult to focus on a single characteristic. This article focuses on three main aspects of power: military, economic, and soft power. Each section gives an overview into the current state of research into the various aspects of power. The discussion on military power emphasizes operationalizing military might and issues with innovation. The section on economics focuses on economics as a source of power and a tool for coercion. Finally, the last section focuses on noncoercive aspects of power, better known as soft power. The article ends with some suggestions for future research.
Related links
Details
- Title
- Power and National Capability
- Publication Details
- Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics
- Resource Type
- Encyclopedia entry
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Copyright
- © Oxford University Press
- Identifiers
- 99380571882906600
- Academic Unit
- College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities; Reubin O'D. Askew Department of Government
- Language
- English