2024-03-08 12:27:00
“Dynamic wisdom”
“Dr. Phichai Rattanadilok Na Phuket”
Another contemporary scholar who studies power in great detail is Michael Mann, a British sociologist. Born in 1942, Mann is currently an Emeritus Professor at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) in the United States. and Cambridge University in England Mann wrote The Sources of Social Power, a four-volume historical account of power. The volume examines the dynamics of social power from antiquity through globalization. The first volume was published in 1986, the second in 1993, and the third and fourth volumes were published in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Mann defines power as It is defined as “the ability to act to achieve one’s goals by learning one’s environment” and distinguishes four sources and networks of power: ideology, economics, military, and politics. Or use the abbreviation ‘IEMP’. He further explains the definition of power: It doesn’t have to be tied to a single action or event. Rather, it involves the ongoing ability of individuals or groups to influence or control the actions of others and the course of events within the social structure.
In Mann’s view Power is not a static thing. But it is a dynamic process and there is constant competition. Or is it a process called “The Dialectic of Power” which involves interactions and struggles between different sources of power and actors. This dialectic has the following key elements:
1) The nature of power is competition. in which individuals and groups compete and fight for control and influence over four sources of power: ideological, economic, military, and political.
2) The balance of power between groups and institutions is constantly changing. This led to the rise and fall of empires, states, and social movements.
3) Each power source has internal conflicts that can lead to instability and change. For example, economic inequality can cause social unrest. and challenge the legitimacy of political power
4)The four sources of power are interconnected and influence each other. For example, military power can be used to preserve economic resources. while ideological domination can reinforce political control.
As for the four sources of power: ideology, economics, military, and politics, Mann defines and describes their roles as follows:
1. Ideological power refers to the ability to control and shape ideas, beliefs, values, norms, and symbols within society. Ideological power shapes how people think regarding the world and their place in it. This can occur through religious institutions, education, media, art, or cultural domination. The power of ideological power depends on its ability to determine what is considered normal or acceptable. and the creation of a common identity within society There are three main roles of ideological power:
First, control over meaning. Those with ideological power have the ability to shape and disseminate the dominant narrative or discourse of society. This includes defining concepts regarding morality, justice, good and evil. and appropriate social order
Second, the monopoly of norms and values. Ideological power allows groups to create and enforce norms and values that govern individual and collective behavior. These norms and values can be embedded in religious doctrines, legal systems, and educational institutions. and cultural practices
Third, the domination of aesthetic and ritual practices. Ideological power is expressed through control over symbolic expressions and rituals that create cultural identities and reinforce social hierarchies. This may include art, music, literature, religious ceremonies and national holidays.
2. Economic power means the ability to control resources and methods of production. This includes money, land, technology, and infrastructure. There are four main characteristics of economic power:
First, resource control Those with economic power have access to and control over the resources necessary for production and consumption. This includes land, minerals, energy resources and financial capital.
Second, the domination of production and distribution. Economic power gives individuals or groups control over the means of production, such as factories, farms, and technology. This gives them influence over the production and distribution of goods and services. Define the economic structure and influence market outcomes
Third, market power. Economic power can be used to influence market dynamics, such as setting prices, controlling supply chains. and creating a monopoly or monopoly. This allows individuals or groups to extract surplus value from others and accumulate wealth.
Fourth, influence on social and political life. Control over economic resources can be translated into a significant influence on social and political life. Economic power can be used to determine policy. Funding political campaigns and influence public opinion
Examples of groups and organizations with economic power include successful industrialists and entrepreneurs who wield economic power through ownership of businesses, factories, and other productive assets. Large corporations or multinational corporations such as Shell, Apple, and Amazon, which has enormous economic power due to its control over extensive resources production network and market share Financial institutions including banks and investment companies These include other financial institutions which have the power to control the flow of capital and influence financial markets.
Of course, the government also has economic power through taxation, regulation, and ownership of public utilities. Governments can use their significant economic power to influence markets. Allocate resources and determine the economic model of the country And another group in modern times that holds economic power that cannot be overlooked is the trade unions, which represent the collective interests of workers. Unions can wield economic power by negotiating wages, working conditions, and influencing economic policy.
Economic power has a profound impact on individuals, societies, and the world order. can determine social structure It creates and reinforces social hierarchies based on differential access to resources and wealth. It also influences the political process. This is evident from the fact that powerful economic actors can influence political decisions. Lobby for favorable policies and determine the direction of the government Another important thing is driving technological innovation. This leads to economic growth and development. However, the unequal distribution of economic power can lead to global economic inequality. where rich countries and companies exercise power over less developed regions.
3 Military power means the ability to use force and coercion. This involves military power, weapons, and the ability to use violence. The main characteristics of military power are as follows.
First, there is the capacity for systematic violence. Military power represents the ability of a state or organization to use violence for offensive or defensive purposes. This includes military operations. seizing state power joining the war and protection once morest potential threats
Second, controlling weapons technology. Development and possession of advanced weapons technology This includes firearms, explosives, and other military equipment, giving it a huge military advantage.
Third, command over the army. Effective military power requires the creation and maintenance of a professional armed force. Disciplined and trained to carry out military strategy and operations.
Fourth, influence on international relations. Military power plays an important role in determining international relations. It allows the state to demonstrate its power. influence foreign policy decisions and maintain allies or deter opponents.
For example, military power is expressed through nation-states that are the primary military power holders. It has a standing army, navy, air force and nuclear arsenal. The creation of military alliances, such as NATO, which pool the military resources of member countries. and serve as an important deterrent once morest potential threats. Military power is also expressed through non-state actors, such as terrorist organizations or rebel groups, that can use military power. Using guerrilla tactics Asymmetric warfare and other methods to achieve objectives
In the 21st century, military power is also evident in cyber warfare. which is a new dimension of military power It allows states and other actors to disrupt critical infrastructure. cyber attack and manage data for strategic purposes. Moreover, private military companies (PMC) have been established that play a greater role in armed conflict. They provide armed personnel and logistical support to states or other actors, blurring the lines between state and non-state military power.
Military power has a profound impact on individuals, societies, and the world order. Because it can determine political outcomes influence the political process Define territorial boundaries and enforce political will at home and abroad. It also deters and prevents conflict. and maintain peace and stability in the region. This includes protecting national interests, protecting national borders, and securing a country’s strategic interests on the world stage. However, the pursuit of military superiority may lead to an arms race. and created increased tensions. and increasing instability between rival states. It also causes civilian casualties and human rights violations. This is an ethical issue regarding the use of military power.
4.Political power means the ability to create and enforce rules and regulations. This includes government institutions, laws, and administrative systems. Important characteristics of political power include:
First, it is a centralized power. Political power resides in a central authority such as the state or government. which has the right to enact laws Enforce policy and make decisions on behalf of all citizens within its jurisdiction.
Second, legitimacy and sovereignty Political power is considered legitimate when the people accept it. and comply with established laws, regulations, and procedures Political power is also related to state sovereignty. This refers to the independent power of states to govern themselves and make decisions without outside interference.
Third, bureaucracy and administration. Political power is exercised through a system of administrative agencies. It includes ministries, agencies and other officials responsible for policy implementation and law enforcement.
Fifth, control of public resources. The state which is the center of political power Control and manage public resources such as taxes, land, and natural resources. It uses these resources to support public services and maintain its power.
Sixth, control of social relations. Political power extends to controlling various aspects of social life. Including education health care economic activity and social welfare system
In addition to the central and local governments of countries, political power also appears in international organizations, political parties, and popular political movements. International organizations like the United Nations or European Union Can set international standards Enforce treaties and can intervene in global conflicts Political parties also compete to gain political power through elections and positions in government structures. And civil society movements can challenge existing political structures and influence agendas and create political change.
In summary, Michael Mann’s concept of power, encompassing ideology, economics, military and politics, provides a framework that demonstrates the interconnectedness of the different sources of power in the lives of individuals and the structure of society. and are particularly useful in understanding power dynamics and social change.
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