Dimensions of Power

When we associate the concept of power with political theory, we largely delve in the realm of political power. Concept of political power has been a matter of debate from early times. Plato in his Republic wanted to associate political power with philosophic knowledge lest, he feared, power would always be corrupting. When Lord Acton talked of power corrupting and absolute power corrupting absolutely, he was suggesting corruptible influence of power in the political realm. According to Allan R. Ball, political power is a key concept in the study of politics because it is associated with resolution of conflict. In the liberal view, political power and its distribution are assigned the task of negotiating, reconciling and resolving conflicting interests in society. Political power is treated as broker that performs the function of taking care of varied interests in society. Political power no doubt is an important dimension of power. However, there is emphasis on other dimensions of power also such as economic and ideological. This has been generally from the Marxian perspective. Another aspect of power that we may separately discuss is related to coercive power of the state. The last aspect is important to understand the power exercised by the State to coerce citizens and groups of citizens. Thus, a holistic analysis of dimensions of power requires analysis and understanding of political power, economic power, ideological power and coercive power. Legal power of the State is associated with political, coercive and ideological powers.