In international relations, power is exercised through the actions and strategies actors use to influence others and shape global outcomes. The IB Global Politics course emphasizes that power is not only about possessing resources, but about how those resources are used in different contexts. Power can be exercised directly or indirectly, openly or subtly, and through a wide range of mechanisms.
One of the most visible ways power is exercised is through military means. This includes the use or threat of force, military alliances, peacekeeping operations, and deterrence strategies. States may deploy troops, conduct military exercises, or maintain nuclear capabilities to influence the behaviour of others. Even when force is not used, the credibility of military power can shape decisions, such as discouraging aggression or enforcing international norms. However, military power is costly and risky, making it less attractive in many modern contexts.
Power is also exercised through economic means. States and other actors can influence others using trade agreements, sanctions, foreign aid, investment, or control over key resources. Economic sanctions, for example, are used to pressure governments to change policies without resorting to violence. Economic power can be especially effective in a globalized world where states are highly interconnected. At the same time, economic tools can harm civilian populations and may not always achieve political goals.
Another important method is diplomatic power. Diplomacy involves negotiation, persuasion, coalition-building, and participation in international institutions. States exercise power by shaping agendas, forming alliances, and influencing decisions within organizations such as international courts or global forums. Diplomatic recognition or isolation can significantly affect a government’s legitimacy and ability to act internationally. This form of power often relies on reputation, trust, and long-term relationships.
Power is also exercised through ideational and cultural means. By shaping ideas, values, and norms, actors can influence how issues are understood and what solutions are considered acceptable. This includes the promotion of political values, human rights standards, or development models. Media, education, and public diplomacy play a major role in this process. Ideational power is subtle but powerful because it can shape preferences rather than force compliance.
Finally, power in international relations is increasingly exercised through institutions and rules. By designing and controlling international systems, powerful actors can shape outcomes without direct intervention. This structural exercise of power often appears neutral but reflects underlying interests.
For IB students, understanding how power is exercised requires recognising these multiple methods and analysing which are most effective in specific contexts. Strong answers link forms of power to real-world examples and evaluate their consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does it mean to exercise power in international relations?
Exercising power means actively using influence to shape decisions, behaviours, or outcomes between international actors. It goes beyond having resources and focuses on how those resources are applied. Power can be exercised through force, persuasion, incentives, or rules. The IB stresses that power can be both direct and indirect. Understanding this distinction is key for analysis.
Is military force the main way power is exercised?
No, military force is only one way power is exercised and is often not the most effective. Economic pressure, diplomacy, and ideational influence are widely used alternatives. Many states prefer non-military methods because they are less costly and less likely to escalate conflict. IB examiners reward answers that recognise multiple forms of power. Overemphasising the military can limit evaluation.
How does economic power work in practice?
Economic power works through tools such as trade agreements, sanctions, loans, and aid. States can reward cooperation or punish behaviour by granting or restricting economic access. In a globalized economy, these tools can be highly influential. However, economic pressure does not always lead to political change and may create unintended consequences. This complexity is important for IB analysis.
What role does diplomacy play in exercising power?
Diplomacy allows actors to influence others through negotiation, compromise, and persuasion. It helps build alliances, resolve disputes, and shape international agendas. Diplomatic power often depends on credibility and reputation rather than force. The IB values diplomatic examples because they show non-coercive influence. Strong essays explain why diplomacy succeeds or fails.
Why is it important to study how power is exercised?
Studying how power is exercised helps explain why certain actors succeed in global politics while others struggle. It allows students to move beyond description and analyse causes and consequences. This understanding is essential for high-level IB responses. It also prepares students to evaluate global issues critically and realistically.
