Realism: Revisiting the Concept of Power in the Age of Information

Abstract

This paper seeks to revisit the concept of power in the theoretical discourse of realism in the 21st century by taking in view the impact of information and communication technology(ICT) on international relations. The main argument is that information and communication technology has dramatically shifted the concept of power as the possession of material capabilities. The paper argues that ICT has created a double paradox for materially and technologically powerful countries by creating vulnerabilities in the hard power and soft power domain. The paper also asserts that through cyber power exists in the virtual/cyber domain, it is able to get desired outcomes in the physical domain. ICT can be used as a soft as well as a hard power multiplier. Lastly, it argues that ICT has challenged the predominant position of material power capabilities to define world order and transformed the traditional power structure.