THE POWER OF STATES: AN UPDATED LOOK AT THE FACTORS AND METHODOLOGIES TO DETERMINE IT

Abstract

From a systemic perspective, the behavior of the parts conditions the functioning of the whole and its results.  Although, in its origins, this theory was applied, rather to better understand the exact sciences, but, today there is consensus regarding its relevance also for the study of phenomena associated with the soft sciences, such as sociology, politics and certainly international relations.

The International System, complex and of uncertain evolution rests, according to Moreau, on three main elements: Common values; the rules agreed by the parties (usually the powers) and the power relations between the actors. In the new world order, which has been shaping since the end of the last century, States have had to transfer part of their shares of power to new actors, which has resulted in new ways of observing the correlation of forces, as well as modern criteria to size or measure the relative weight of each actor.

This article seeks to analyze some of the methodologies used to determine the relative power of States in the International System and, particularly, the validity of the elements that have traditionally been considered for this purpose.