Quick questions on Types of power in global politics: VCE Politics

In global politics, power is the capacity of an actor to influence the behaviour of others to get the outcomes it wants. Power can rest on coercion, payment or attraction, and actors usually combine instruments rather than relying on one. The four traditional instruments are military, economic, diplomatic and cultural.

Military power is the capacity to use or threaten force. It includes the size and technology of armed forces, nuclear weapons, alliances and the willingness to deploy. It is the most coercive instrument and the ultimate guarantor of security.

Economic power is the capacity to influence others through wealth, trade, investment, aid and sanctions. A large economy can reward cooperation and punish defiance.

Diplomatic power is the capacity to influence through negotiation, representation, alliance-building and leadership in international organisations. It works by persuasion and coalition rather than coercion.

Cultural power is the capacity to influence through the appeal of a society's values, ideas, media and way of life. It overlaps heavily with soft power.

Western states used economic sanctions and asset freezes against Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Sanctions cut Russia off from key technology, froze foreign reserves and imposed long-term costs, signalling resolve without direct war.

Russia redirected energy exports to China and India, the rouble recovered, and the war continued, so sanctions did not change the core behaviour quickly.

Economic power was effective at imposing cost and unity but limited as a tool for reversing a determined state's policy, so it is best used alongside diplomatic and military instruments.

Distinguish hard power from soft power. [4 marks]

Explain why diplomatic power can be both effective and limited. [6 marks]

Analyse the effectiveness of military power for one global actor. [10 marks]