In a few words, what is power?
Power is the ability to influence the behavior of others. In IB, understanding power helps to understand different perspectives and relationships.
Power: Definitions and Types for IB 11th Graders
Power: the capacity to influence people and events, especially through the possession of authority or wealth. IB Power: Power is particularly important in IB as it is the ability to influence people and events to achieve the desired outcome of the IB mission and learner profile.
Concepts:
Define power and discuss its different types in the context of international relations.
Work together in pairs: What are the three main types of power according to Max Weber's theory of power, and how do each of them differ?
Brain break: Draw an ice cream cone with superhero powers defeating a goofy paperclip villain
What is the definition of power in the context of International Baccalaureate (IB)?
- The ability to influence or control others
- The physical strength or force
- The possession of authority or control
Which type of power involves using rewards and punishments to influence behavior?
- Referent power
- Legitimate power
- Coercive power
'Expert power' refers to:
- Power derived from formal position
- Power based on personal charisma
- Power based on knowledge, skills, or expertise
In a few words, how would you describe power?
Power can be classified into three types: hard, soft, and smart. Hard power is the use of coercive measures such as economic, military, or legal pressures to influence behavior. Soft power is the use of attraction and persuasion to influence behavior. It can include the use of culture, ideas, and values. Smart power is a combination of hard and soft power, utilizing both coercive and attractive measures for diplomatic purposes.
Power: Definitions and Types
Hard Power: Making a decision or forcing an outcome by using military force, economic pressure or other coercive means. Soft Power: Influencing the decisions of others by providing incentives, using diplomacy, or using cultural or ideological soft power. Smart Power: A combination of hard and soft power that is used to achieve a desired outcome in a more efficient and effective way.
Concepts:
The term 'power' is derived from the Latin word 'potere' meaning 'to be able'. This means that power can be seen as having the potential to do something. The concept of 'soft power' was coined by political scientist Joseph Nye in 1990. This type of power relies on persuasion or influence rather than coercion. The term 'smart power' was created by former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2009. It combines elements of hard power and soft power to achieve a strategic goal.
Did you know?
Work together in pairs: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using hard power, soft power, and smart power in international relations?
15. Personalised Feedback 360 seconds
What are the key characteristics and differences between hard power, soft power, and smart power in international relations?
Work together in pairs: What are the key differences between hard, soft and smart power, and how should they be used in an international context?
Brain break: Draw a banana playing a guitar on stage with a crowd of fruits cheering in the background
What is the definition of power in the context of IB?
- The strength of an electrical current
- The ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way
- The energy generated by a power plant
Which type of power refers to the use of force, coercion, or physical strength?
- Hard power
- Soft power
- Smart power
Which type of power relies on attraction, persuasion, and influence?
- Soft power
- Smart Power
- Hard power
Which type of power combines elements from both hard and soft powers?
- Smart Power
- Hard Power
- Soft Power
In international relations, which country is often associated with the term 'soft superpower'?
- United States
- China
- Russia
What does 'soft power' refer to in international relations?
- Influence gained through cultural attraction and diplomacy
- Economic dominance and control
- Military strength and aggression
Which type of power is derived from having personal connections and relationships with influential individuals?
- Network Power
- Reward Power
- Informational Power