The Concept of Power in International Relations

Abstract

The terms of Power, influence and authority could be heard in political world vastly, but using these terms is not leaving only to this realm. Despite its visual simplicity, generally there is not similar and equal perception about term of Power among people. Understanding about by politicians differs from lawyer perception about this term. What people takes about Power, totally differ from what a strategist interpret from. Role and influence of Power also among society is differs from its application in international relations. Power, undoubtedly is the most basic concept of registered knowhow over international relations. In fact, Power reflects relations between activists in international relations, means that, international relations and perhaps more precisely, relations between states warrants Power relations between activists in this area. According to this fact, variety in interpretation about Power in international relations have not been emerged but in variety of international relations theories. However, in ordinary understanding about International relations course, it has supposed that concept of Power closely has been made linkage with realism theory in its all forms, but it should be admitted that, today it could be possible to reach novel recognition about Power concept and its requirements by arising thoughtfulness approaches.<br /> Old politic scholars defined Power, in its general and ordinary concept, both as destiny and cause. In this interpretation, Power merely depends on level of ability and sovereignty of one party against other party(s), to oblige him to obey. In this view, whole life of people could be summarized as result of Power interactions in different domains and degrees. Practical results achieved from present theory, which in some cases meets visions of behavior – orientation is that, in international relations, there is no governing Power, or at least governing states do not recognize any Powers over their Power and sovereignty. In this ambiguous realm, some believes that lack of international governing Power, requires establishing a global state in form of an international contract. In contrast, there are many other groups that follow Power balance theory in relations of governing and dependent states. There is also a compromising theory.