Political Power
November 6, 2024•792 words
"Political power intoxicates the best hearts. No man is wise enough, nor good enough, to be trusted with much political power." ~ Hans F. Sennholz
"The combination of economic and political power in the same hands is a sure recipe for tyranny." ~ Milton Friedman
"Where is the justice of political power if it executes the murderer and jails the plunderer, and then itself marches upon neighboring lands, killing thousands and pillaging the very hills?" ~ Khalil Gibran
Political power is the ability to influence or control the behavior of people, institutions, or policies.
Political power is a force that shapes decisions, implements laws, and guides the direction of society.
Political power can stem from various sources.
Political power can be demonstrated through a recognized position or role, such as an elected official or judge; through threats or force, often by the military or law enforcement; or through persuasion, culture, or diplomacy to encourage others to support one’s ideas or goals.
Political power can arise from laws or official positions. Prime ministers, presidents, judges, and police officers, to name a few, have formal authority. Their power is legally recognized and comes with defined responsibilities.
Wealth can be a powerful tool for political power. Wealthy individuals or corporations can fund campaigns, lobby politicians, or control media to promote specific policies. Wealthy individuals can shape or manipulate policy in ways that support their interests.
To some extent, public sentiment can influence politicians and legislators to prioritize or reconsider certain policies to secure support and votes.
Governments use political power by using military force to maintain control within their nation-state or to control or overthrow other governments.
Experts in science, law, politics, and economics often advise politicians and shape policy. Recognized as experts in their fields, they influence laws, regulations, and strategies, providing direction on complex issues.
Traditional media organizations and social media platforms wield immense political power to shape public perceptions and narratives around political issues. Their control over the flow of information can manipulate public opinion, frame policy debates, and indirectly influence political leaders.
Religious leaders and institutions exert political power by supporting policies or political platforms, encouraging voters, and shaping social values.
Social movements and activism organized around racial justice, climate action, or human rights represent political power that can force change. Activism by ordinary people brings attention to issues historically ignored by society, challenging legislation and creating awareness of the need for change in societal norms.
Bureaucratic institutions exert political power indirectly by controlling the speed, interpretation, and enforcement of laws. Bureaucrats develop knowledge and relationships that give them influence over elected politicians, upper managers, and advisors.
Political power is a slower process in schools, universities, and think tanks. By educating future leaders, conducting research, and influencing public discourse, these institutions generate ideas that eventually trickle down into public policy and debate, shaping how people think about issues.
Global institutions possess political power. Organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, and alliances through trade, politics, and the military exert influence across borders, pressuring governments to conform to international standards and providing resources that impact nation-states.
Political power in the arts, entertainment, and popular culture operates over time, subtly shaping values, identities, and societal perceptions.
Political power is exercised across various areas in society, with individuals and groups shaping and influencing outcomes based on resources, values, and strategies.
The use of political power reflects a society's justice, freedom, and stability.
Tonight, Donald Trump has been reelected as President of the United States. Will he continue to wage war in different regions of the world, or will he reduce conflicts? As President, he holds the most political power globally.
During President Biden's term, there was ethnic cleansing and genocide against Palestinians, with massive military support to Israel to help them attack Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians, and Iranians, infuriating the Middle East, the global South, Russia, North Korea, Pakistan, India, and China.
The Biden administration also allocated over $75 billion in American tax dollars to supply Ukraine with weaponry, alongside $74 billion more from NATO allies, leading to the deaths of over 600,000 young men and women on both sides of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The U.S. and NATO donated $150 billion for a proxy war against Russia.
The rationale behind this war is disturbing and raises questions about the foreign policy stage of political power.
Why did this conflict happen?
Because the American government wanted Ukraine to become a partial or full member of NATO, placing a military alliance on Russia’s border, which Russia and its allies warned against.