Power in the Conditions of International Anarchy

Abstract

The aim of this analysis is to discuss the concepts of “power” and “great power” and to situate them within the conditions of international anarchy. The article refers to the assumptions of realist theories of international relations in the context of the role of great powers in the system and in the historical foundations of power. Power determines a state’s position within the balance of power but also shapes relations within the system of anarchy. The power of individual political entities thus generates real interconnections in a world of polycentric international rivalry. However, the balance of power, even when reinforced by universally recognised and respected norms, remains synonymous with anarchy, as no entity holds a monopoly on violence.

Consequently, international order exists primarily due to a specific configuration of power relations among the major powers. This one is built on real potential. The neorealist tradition in IR stipulates that national power derives primarily from material capacities and resources – geography (territory), population, national resources, industrial capacity, military capacity, quality of government and diplomacy, as well as national character and the national morale.

The neoliberal approach adds to the material resources of power, the potential of influence through international institutions and factors of “soft power”. In our understanding of the major components of the national power, we follow the realist and neorealist traditions. In this context, however, the significance of the geographical factor (and geopolitics), as a component building the international status of political entities was critically analysed.