1. ‘Discuss the claim that
power in global politics is
mostly exercised through
the use of force and
threats’
Due date: Tuesday 28th
2. 1. Definition of power – The ability to make someone do something
Reference to hard and soft power (not too much, include it all in the first introduction)
2. Yes
Example
Explain why
3. No
Example
Explain why
4. Yes
Example
Explain why
5. No
Example
Explain why
6. Conclusion
Each paragraph should look at the
title question and make references
to hard, soft and smart (a mixture
of the two) power.
Give a variety of relevant examples
that we have covered, also from the
book and your own research.
E.g. China and rapid military
militarization, America’s long
standing military power, Germany
valuing diplomatic power over
military
Refer to realism and liberalism
where military power has more or
less importance
Reference every point using
neilstoolbox and give a
bibiliography at the end.
3. Examples points you can make
For:
• States that want to be more powerful seek to expand their military
capabilities
• States that are the most powerful have the strongest military capabilities
• Continued existence of intrastate and transnational wars involving non
state actors requires states to resort to use of force
Against:
• Aspects of soft power may be equally if not more important than force
• Acquisition of military power is expensive e.g. Nuclear weaponry
• Many transnational issues (climate change, cybercrime, drug trafficking)
cannot be resolved through forceful means)
