National Power Unveiled: A Comprehensive Analysis of its Key Components

 

National Power Unveiled: A Comprehensive Analysis of its Key Components

 

 

 

Definition of Power:

 

Defining the meaning of the word power is not an easy task as this word is used in different fields. Power is a technical term in mathematics. In physics, it refers to the rate of change in energy. In human relations it is now is believed a relational sign.

 

According to Earnest B. Hass:

 

"The amount in force available to a nation's elite towards the accomplishment of any given."

In the past, the word "power" primarily meant physical strength, often associated with military might and dominance. However, in modern times, the concept of power has evolved to encompass a broader scope. Today, the term "power" refers to not only physical force but also includes economic, political, and psychological aspects.

 

 

Professor Morgan Thou:

The struggle for power has been everywhere in all ages, the reality of which is proved by experiments.

 

George Schwarzen Bergur:

 

Power refers to imposing one's will on others through effective restraints."

 

Charles B Schleicher:

 

“Power is the ability to compel others to do something they would not otherwise do, either by offering or promising rewards, or by threatening to deprive them of something dear."

 

Ebenstein:

 

“National strength is more than a combination of population, raw materials, and quantitative factors. The hidden strength of a nation is its city-state, the resilience of its institutions, its technological prowess, and its ability to remain isolated. These are just a few of the qualitative elements that determine the total strength of a nation."

 

Bertrand Russell:

 

Everyone strives for power, even he wants to become a God, but it is impossible.

National Power:

 

National power refers to the ability or status that a state uses to influence other states or in response to other states' attempts to influence it.

 

Organized national power or forms of national power:

E. H. Carr has divided power into three types for convenience:

 

1.Military Power.

 

2. Economic Power

 

3.  Psychological Power

 

Military Power:

 

Military power, also known as material power, pertains to a state's armed forces and their capabilities. It involves the use of military force when necessary to deter aggression or protect the nation's interests. The application of force can vary depending on the international context. The primary objectives of exercising military force are as follows:

 

i.To respond to force with force.

ii. To implement  and enforce the laws.

iii. To suppress riots and rebellion etc.

iv. To punish violation of laws.

v.  For national defense.

vi. To intimidate the people and create fear of the government.

 States sometimes go to war with each other due to conflict of interests, which destroys international peace.

   

Economic power:

 

In political science, economy is considered the best power for the state. Economic power can be advantageous or problematic. Property seizures, company bans, and other similar tactics are frequently used to exert economic pressure on individuals so that they will change their behaviour. Internationally, economic power is employed in various ways since each state depends on its physical strength in circumstances where using economic weapons is necessary.

 

In the modern era, achieving economic dominance serves more than just financial interests. Instead, via it, economically successful and stable states triumph over other underdeveloped and underdeveloped ones. The state's impact on the global scale grows as a result of this power.

 

Psychological Power:

 

In the context of international relations, psychological power holds significant importance in many cases. A state cannot maintain long-term stability if its people only follow the government out of fear of punishment for disobedience. Therefore, experts in the field of international relations focus more on issues that people consciously consider important. Instead of relying solely on the execution of orders, governments strive to address these concerns to foster psychological adaptation to government affairs and procedures.

 

Plato's perspective on this matter emphasizes the creation of a psychological state between the government and its people where both parties prioritize mutual concerns. When the government addresses issues that are of mutual importance to the people, the state becomes more stable. However, if such psychological bonds are not cultivated, there is a risk of lawlessness and the potential for the breakdown of established laws and order.

 

Elements of National Power:

 

The elements of national power are basically two:

1:- Tangible Factors.

2:- Intangible Factors.

 

In tangible factors include the following.

1:- Plateau.

2:- Coastline

3:- Plains.

4:- Military Organization.

5:- Mountains.

6:- Food.

7:- Topography.

8:- Natural Resources and Raw Materials.

9:- Geographical Position.

10:- Education and Technology.

11:- Place of Occurrence.

12:- Population.

13:- Climate.

14:- Natural and Manpower Resources.

15:- Botany.

16:- Rivers.

17:- Soil.

18:- Geographical Expansion.

19:- Minerals.

20:- Energy Resources.

 

 

The intangible elements are as follows:

 

1:- Political system.

 2:- Economic system.

3:- Quality of education.

4:-National ethics.

5:- International military strategy.

 

Tangible Factors of National Power.

 Material elements are considered the most important part of national power.

 

Below is a description of the embodied elements of national power.

 

Plateau:

 

An area of ​​the state which is like mountains but the land is unable to produce. If mineral deposits are found in the plateau areas and efforts are made to utilize them properly, the state can develop more and more. Valuable foreign exchange reserves can be increased by setting up industries to make full use of mineral reserves.

 

 

Planes:

 

Plains are generally suitable for agriculture. These areas can play an important role in meeting the country's agricultural needs. Food grains and raw materials are abundantly produced in these areas. Plains are considered to be the center of human activities. If there are means of transportation in the plains, commercial and industrial life is promoted. If there are no rivers in the plains, such an area becomes unsuitable for agriculture. In some rain fed areas food crops are produced due to rains.

 

Mountains:

Mountains are very important in any country's landscape. They serve as reservoirs of minerals, providing resources such as mudstone and salt. Additionally, cement can be obtained by grinding the soil from these mountains. Natural plants and herbs thrive abundantly in these areas, and they also yield high-quality wood. The snow that accumulates on the mountains eventually melts, forming rivers that are essential for irrigating the land. Mountains also frequently serve as a natural border between states.

 

Topography:

 

The foundation of a state's economy and system is its physical structure. Some states' terrain is entirely made up of mountains, while others simply have grasslands or fertile plains. The natural structure will take the economy of the nation closer to self-sufficiency if it is fertile and productive. The state's economy will suffer if the physical structure is unusable for farming and unproductive. Physical structure includes things like hills, plains, soil, weather patterns, and flora.

 

Geographical Position:

 

The main aspect affecting a state is its geographic position, which reflects its level of national authority. Every state on the planet has noticeable geographic inequalities. Geographic position refers to all the physical characteristics of a country's location on the globe, including its climate, rivers, oceans, mountains, and atmosphere. Human actions have no impact on a location's geographic position. However, because to advances in science and technology, people can now take advantage of particular geographic situations by influencing and manipulating them. Humanity is becoming stronger in its drive to rule the cosmos, and a state's geographic location can be viewed as an indication of its position and power on the global stage.

 

Location:

 

A country's location is considered favourable when it is surrounded by water and has land access to other countries. Countries with such advantageous positions tend to experience rapid development due to the presence of efficient trade corridors and facilitation of industrial transactions.

 

Climate:

 

According to Ibn Khaldun, climate has a great influence on human character and state system. Climate affects not only human life but also agriculture, vegetation, forestry, transportation and industries. The people of the region where the climate is moderate are industrious and they add to the national strength. Climate is the industry, the productive force of the people of any country And it is a central factor in determining culture.

 

 

Botany:

 

Natural resources are a vital component of a state's economic activities. Forests, in particular, are rich in these natural resources and play a significant role in their conservation and depletion. It is essential that approximately 25% areas of any country should be covered with forests. While forested areas boast abundant vegetation and biodiversity, the desert regions, on the other hand, are typically devoid of trees and largely barren.

 

Soil:

Good and fertile soil is considered a back bone for a country's agriculture. Fertile soil significantly contributes to increasing national income. Conversely, in countries where the soil is of poor quality, despite other favourable factors, significant benefits cannot be obtained from agriculture. Soil plays a major role in enhancing productivity and determining suitable crops for cultivation. Regions with fertile soil tend to be densely populated, whereas areas with infertile and poor soil are sparsely populated.

 

Minerals:

 

Mineral resources play a crucial role in human economic activities as they significantly impact people's livelihoods. They are essential for industrial development and contribute to increasing a nation's power. States abundant in mineral resources are often considered more powerful, while those with fewer minerals are deemed weaker.

 

The development of countries like America, Great Britain, and Russia has been heavily influenced by their access to and utilization of minerals. These nations have built their industrial prowess and economic growth on the foundation of their mineral resources.

 

Sea Shores:

 

Sea coasts are important hubs in the country's economy. Such states occupy a special place in international relations which have access to the beach.

 

Beaches are of two types:

 

(1) INDENTED

 

(1) UN INDENTED

 

If a beach is indented, the potential for constructing ports and development in such areas is significant. Consequently, trade and commerce thrive in such regions. Countries without indented coasts may face limitations in enhancing their external power significantly.

 

Military Organization:

 

Armed forces play a crucial role in protecting national security and borders. Presently, every country in the world aims to enhance its military power. Although there was a significant emphasis on disarmament and preventing the escalation of military forces after the Second World War, states are now focusing their undivided attention on increasing and developing modern weapons. Defense budgets of countries are continuously on the rise.

 

Political thinkers widely agree that "The third world war will be nuclear and potentially the last war." The number of troops and the sophistication of weapons hold particular importance in the defense forces of all states. A well-organized military is fundamental, and it is considered essential for every state to have its own army.

 

However, when a state actively strengthens and improves its military organization, it may raise suspicion among other states about its intentions and objectives, leading to inter-state tension and potential threats to global peace. Conversely, neglecting military preparedness can weaken a state's position. States engage in military organization and preparations to ensure stability and strength, but unfortunately, these good intentions have sometimes led to wars and conflicts between states.

 

Food:

States that achieve self-sufficiency in food and do not depend on other countries are more likely to succeed in maintaining a stable political system. The level of self-sufficiency in food significantly impacts a state's national strength. Given the crucial role of food in national development, even developed countries may occasionally alter their policies.

 

For underdeveloped countries, foreign policies have become increasingly reliant on acquiring food resources. Countries with limited industrial development but high food and agricultural production often balance their economies by exporting these food items. This trade in food products helps them generate income and maintain economic stability, despite their relatively low industrial output.

 

Natural Resources and Raw Material:

 

The main difference between geographical position and natural resources lies in the fact that humans have no control over geographical conditions, whereas they can influence the abundance or scarcity of natural resources. Raw materials play a pivotal role in the industrial development of any country. A nation that possesses plentiful natural resources and raw materials will have a strong and stable position, while a country relying on other nations for raw materials may find itself in a weaker position.

 

Having abundant raw materials and natural resources allows a country to be self-sufficient, reducing the need to import essential goods. Additionally, advancements in education and technology enable the production of substitutes for certain raw materials. For instance, China, which was once dependent on Pakistan for cotton, has overcome this reliance through the invention of synthetic nylon, making Pakistani nylon less crucial for their industrial needs.

 

Education and Technology:

 

Education and technology have brought about a revolutionary transformation in the world. Presently, states leading in education and technology are considered more powerful, surpassing others. The development of means of transport in the past had a significant impact on the progress of human society, while nuclear technology has now reshaped the stability and power dynamics among states. Today, there is no doubt that states possessing nuclear knowledge are deemed stronger and superior.

 

In modern times, submarines have overtaken the importance of larger ships, and missile technology has revolutionized ground forces' combat strategies. Looking at the world today, the dominant forces are those that have placed the utmost importance on advancements in education and technology. These states have attained a significant edge and influence on the global stage.

 

Population:

 

State population size is indeed closely related to state power. A country with a large population, coupled with a strong sense of patriotism and a hardworking spirit among its people, has the potential to develop rapidly and challenge major powers in the world. China serves as an example of this phenomenon, having experienced rapid development within a short period. Such states often achieve self-sufficiency across various sectors and may exert influence over weaker states. Their foreign policy and strategies are often assertive and aggressive in nature.

 

The United States is a federal state consisting of fifty states and a large population, which contributes to its extremely high population overall. This vast population is organized through a federally controlled structure, allowing the United States to hold the status of the world's sole superpower. The combination of a large population, federal organization, and economic strength has contributed to the United States' prominent position in the world.

 

Resources of Manpower and Nature:

 

The natural and manpower resources of a state play an important role in the development of the state. Natural resources include minerals, vegetation and other mineral deposits while manpower includes the population of the state and its education and training etc. If a state has plenty of natural resources and has its own manpower, that country can develop quickly.

 

Rivers:

Rivers are regarded as the lifeblood of a country's economy, providing numerous benefits for human development. They serve various essential purposes, such as supplying water and facilitating fishing activities. Rivers serve as both a natural highway and a means of transportation for people and commodities. Additionally, they are essential in irrigating and fertilising the nearby area, which raises agricultural productivity.

 

Another important benefit of rivers is the production of hydroelectric electricity. These water bodies' energy can be used to generate electricity and encourage the use of sustainable energy sources.

 

 

River valleys have also traditionally been essential to the rise and expansion of civilizations. Over time, the towns and villages that grew up along the riverbanks changed, giving rise to and advancing many different societies all over the world. Rivers have had a significant impact on human history and continue to play a crucial role in many facets of human progress.

 

 

 

Geographical Expansion:

 

A state's size and territory are actually taken into account when determining its power. Territorial growth can be extremely important in both defensive and offensive strategies. This was demonstrated by historical occurrences like the Second World War and the Russo-Japanese War. For instance, Germany was compelled to expand its supply lines and disperse its occupying forces due to the size of Russia during World War II, which finally forced Germany to exchange big areas for smaller ones in order to reorganise its military and civilian forces.

When analysing the impact of territorial expansion on a state's capabilities, it is critical to take other considerations, such transportability, into account. Size does affect defensive and offensive strategy. The accessibility and transport network within the territory are important factors that can influence how a state's size really plays out in battle and in overall strategic choices.

 

Energy Resources:

In the modern era, the importance of these resources has greatly increased. Resources include coal, natural gas, water, etc. It is considered an important factor for strength. Oil alone produces more energy than all fuels combined. Oil greatly supports the economy through industrial needs, the most important of which is power generation. Be it the light grade diesel fuel that runs trucks, buses and associations and the high grade gasoline that flies airplanes. In any case, oil provides the motive power for most human means of transportation and industry. Today, the major powers of the world are making great efforts to increase their influence in the oil-rich Middle East so that these resources can improve the economy of these countries.

 

 

Intangible Factors of National Power:

 

Resources which cannot be seen with the eyes or touched by the hands are the intangible elements of power which are quite large in number and are considered essential for national power. The intangible elements of national power are detailed as follows.

 

Political System:

 

The political system of a state is the embodiment of its power. Various systems around the world are considered as manifestations of state power, such as democracy, monarchy, and others. The political system, in terms of national power, refers to the governing mechanism through which a state rules its people. From the perspective of national power, the specific system in place holds no inherent importance. Whether the government is democratic, authoritarian, aristocratic, or any other form, as long as all state affairs are conducted smoothly, the political system is considered to be fulfilling its role in achieving national power. The smooth functioning of state affairs relies on a peaceful state rather than political chaos. A political system that upholds democratic ideals holds significant importance in the realm of international politics.

 

 

Economic System:

 

Economy is widely regarded as the foundation of a state's power in the world. The term "economic system" pertains to a country's production and distribution mechanisms. Several economic systems exist for the production and distribution of goods, including the cooperative economy, capitalist economy, Islamic economy, and mixed economy, each holding particular significance.

 

The primary objective of these economic systems is to attain maximum productivity and ensure fairness between employers and employees, preventing any one class from imposing an exploitative system on the other. A state with a robust and stable economy not only achieves self-sufficiency domestically but also gains a strong position on the international stage.

 

Quality of Education:

 

States with a high quality of education are significantly ahead in the fields of science, technology, and development. Developing countries often emulate the practices of developed countries. By carefully examining the course of human history, it becomes evident that all advancements, from minor inventions to major breakthroughs, owe their existence to knowledge. A state with a superior education system fosters a skilled and competent workforce. Citizens can better comprehend state policies and laws, leading to a more informed society.

 

Conversely, affluent individuals from countries with subpar education systems often seek higher and better quality education in developed countries like the USA, France, and the UK. On one hand, this allows highly educated individuals to contribute to their home country's progress. On the other hand, some of these educated individuals may become influenced by foreign cultures and perceive their own culture as inferior and ignorant. This situation can result in a significant divide between the people and the ruling class in these countries.

 

National Morality

 

The unity of the people in facing the challenges confronting the state and the conscious and patriotic nature of the national leadership are considered essential elements of the national ethos. Additionally frequently seen as elements of the national ethos are religion and nationality. Nationality alone can significantly influence national ethics in some places when religion has a limited impact. Japan and China are two instances of nations where a sense of nationalism serves as the primary tenet of national ethics.

 

International Arms Strategy:

International military strategy encompasses the military actions taken by a state to defend itself, deter potential threats, or defeat adversaries. In response to perceived threats from neighboring states, some countries choose to strengthen their position by forming alliances with other powerful nations. Experts argue that a state should prioritize its armed forces for maintaining territorial integrity and national security, as larger states may disregard treaties and potentially harm smaller states. The military strategy of a nation is influenced by its political goals, as demonstrated during the world wars when major powers sought to maintain both political and military dominance.

 

Military power plays a crucial role in pursuing national interests and achieving success in foreign policy endeavors. Effective military leadership, modern weaponry, the size of the armed forces, and their performance standards are vital factors in determining the effectiveness of any army. The quality of military leadership significantly impacts a nation's strength. A robust nation requires a well-trained and equipped army, capable of utilizing modern weaponry. With such a strong military, a country can establish a stable and influential position on the international stage.