"Power is the ability to get another actor to do what it would not otherwise have done" (Goldstein, 73), this declaration is a accurate. To prove the accuracy of this definition this paper will define power, examine the natural state of man, and draw on the cold war to further demonstrate the validity of this theory. Some may question this theory on the basis of not knowing what the party being influenced would do in the absence of the actor that has power. While this argument may appear to present opposition to the truthfulness of this theory, it does not because what would be done in the absence of power is irrelevant. Since the political arena always has and continues to be based on power balances. .
Power is usually viewed as control or influence as a result of military capability. However, real political power requires a state to possess military and economic capabilities and the ability to mobilize the aforementioned. Economic stability and growth are important factors in a states endeavor to acquire political power. Without ample economic resources a state will not possess the financial power required to gain respect from other countries which would prevent them from expounding ideas within the political forum, nor would the state be capable of fostering military resources. According to Edward Carr, "economic strength has always been an instrument of political power, if only through association with the military instrument. Only the most primitive kinds of warfare are altogether independent of the economic factor" (Betts, 60). Like economic strength a military arsenal is also "an instrument of political power". Economic resources are important in the political arena since all state disputes do not require military action, having economic power and influence makes available alternative avenues of conflict resolution for states. "Military force could, for instance, be irrelevant to resolving disagreements on economic issues among members of the alliance, yet at the same time be very important for that alliance's political and military relations with the rival bloc" (Betts, 122), as indicated by Edward Carr.
