International RelationsHandout # 05By Ms. Nighat Noureen SSHUniversity of Management and Technology

Topic of DiscussionWhat is power in IR?Difference between Role of International and Domestic PowerElements of National powerLimitation on National Power

Concept of Power in IR Difference between physical power & political powerPolitical power is a psychological relations between those exercise it and those over whom it is being exercisedPhysical power can be an instrument of power but not power in any sense

Difference between Role of International and Domestic PowerA system of general rules of procedures did not let an individual to take law into its hand however, as in international relations there are not much agreed upon rules & law which let state to even use its force

Elements of National PowerInternal Elements

GeographySizeLocationClimateTopographyLand locked statesEffects of Science & Technology on the significance of geographical factors

Elements of National Power (contd.)

Natural ResourcesRaw materialFoodstuffCan only be beneficial if exploited fruitfully

Elements of National Power (contd.)Technology

Population: Both quality and quantity

National character & Morale

Elements of National Power (contd.)Economic Development

Political Structure: type of government, leadership, bureaucracy

Social & Ideological Factors

Elements of National Power (contd.)Military Preparedness

Quality of Diplomacy

Elements of National Power (contd.)2. External ElementsImage and reputationForeign support and dependencyInternational strategic positions

Limitation on National PowerInternational Morality & EthicsInternational World public opinionInternational lawTreaties and other developments related to arms reductionInternational organizationsAnd others