Taking power seriously – A holistic approach to assessing the international distribution of power

The literature of international relations and political geography agrees that world order is in transition. Some claim that power is shifting east, others argue that American leadership is renewing, still others think that a post-polar world is emerging. Despite the debate, no principled approach to assessing the distribution of power has been proposed. Arguments regarding the evolution of world order have come up against the usual stumbling blocks of measuring power. Relying on the meta-analysis of the general definitions of power, a theoretical framework is derived, identifying factors that turn passive strengths into dynamic power. Putting theory to test, the practical notion of power is provided based on the content analysis of the national security strategies of the US issued in the post-Cold War period. The factors identified in the two analyses overlap significantly. A holistic approach is proposed using the systemic qualities that distinguish power from strengths and resources.