What types of power are recognised in global politics?

In global politics, the recognised types of power include hard power, soft power, smart power, and structural power.

Hard power is the most traditional form of power in global politics. It refers to the use of military and economic means to influence the behaviour or interests of other political bodies. This could be through the use of force, coercion, or economic sanctions. Countries with large military forces or strong economies often wield significant hard power. For example, the United States has used its military might to influence global politics in various regions, such as the Middle East.

Soft power, a term coined by Joseph Nye, refers to the ability to shape the preferences of others through appeal and attraction rather than coercion. It is often associated with the promotion of a country's culture, political ideals, and policies. Soft power can be seen in the global influence of Western media, the appeal of the 'American Dream', or the attractiveness of Scandinavian social policies.

Smart power is a combination of both hard and soft power. It involves the strategic use of diplomacy, persuasion, capacity building, and the threat or use of force. It is an approach that emphasises the necessity of a strong military, but also the importance of alliances, partnerships, and institutions at all levels of political interaction.

Structural power, on the other hand, is more subtle. It refers to the power that shapes and determines the structures of the global political economy – the power to decide how things shall be done, the power to shape frameworks within which states relate to each other, shape the world's political and economic systems, and influence the ideologies of the global political order. This type of power is often held by those who set the rules of the game - for example, the power held by the IMF and the World Bank in setting the financial rules and norms that all countries follow.

Understanding these different types of power is crucial for analysing global politics. They provide a framework for understanding how countries interact with each other and how they can influence the global political landscape.