3.2 China - Types and Forms of Power

Diplomatic power

Diplomatic power stems from the relationships between states that create alliances. Diplomatic power refers to a states power on the international stage, and how they interact and coerce other states to act in a manner favourable for them, or in the goal of forming an alliance. Diplomatic power is soft power.

Economic power

Economic power closely related to a states military strength, as well as its other national interests. If other states tend to rely on a state for produce or products, then this makes them more economically powerful. Economic power can be used through tariffs, supply of loans, foreign aid and sanctions. Figures that may represent a states military power include GDP, GDP per capita, Export and import statistics (if other states rely on produce, this makes the state more powerful) and the Amount spent on military, education, public health

Hard Power

Hard power is exercised through coercion, or threatened acts of coercion, to influence the actions of other global actors. Essentially either by giving the 'Carrot or stick' to a state is utilising hard power.

Political Power

Political power is the ability to influence the actions of other global actors through domestic policy and legislation.

Military Power

Size of defence force, Type and calibre of equipment available, Money spent on military, Commitment, morale and training, Relationship between the military and the state. States can implement military power in a number of ways: The threatened use of force, carrying out military exercises and advertising improvements to military capacity.

Smart power

Smart powers the combination of states resources, hard and soft power, to enable a positive sum of results.

Soft power

Soft Power is the ability to shape other global actors actions in a manner that is not coercive. Soft power is generally exercised through diplomacy, policies and culture. Joseph Nye defines soft power as the ability to enact change through getting others to want what you want. It can also be defined as 'winning the hearts and minds' of the people.

Cultural power

The power of a state is also determined by its culture. States with a desirable culture use their values to achieve ends through which political means might fail.