Instruments of Power

INSTRUMENTS OF POWER
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Instruments of Power
Introduction
Several instruments of power exist, each of which offers different perspectives on power and statecraft. This essay briefly describes the most important aspect of each and offers an opinion on what policymakers could better understand about each.
The Diplomatic Instrument of Power
The most important point about diplomacy as an instrument of power is that it facilitates mutual understanding as states compete for markets and influence in the international arena. Without diplomacy, the competition could be likened to gangs fighting over turf (Fendrick 2017, 174). Diplomacy calls for calculated maneuvers to ensure that a state peacefully engages with others in pursuing national interests without the need for armed confrontations. Policymakers could better understand that diplomacy defines a country in the international arena and that it could change the nature of relations from peaceful to armed, as witnessed in the Gulf War (Ulrich 2012, 265). When used properly, diplomacy can be a critical tool for policymakers, especially when formulating foreign policy.
The Information Instrument of Power
The most important point about information as an instrument is that governments no longer have a monopoly over information. This situation arises from the revolutions in information technology (Nation 2010). As a result, new and powerful communication channels have emerged whose scope extends beyond national borders. As an instrument of power, governments must carefully engage with non-state actors in the international arena in pursuing shared interests. Policymakers should better understand how to harness the remaining power in information. The rationale is that with free communication, policymakers will continuously be scrutinized, and mistakes could be costly. Therefore, the major challenge becomes shaping their narratives effectively while under scrutiny.
Military as Instrument of Power
An important point to note regarding the military as an instrument of power is that the military remains the most critical instrument available to a nation or state. The rationale is that international politics is a struggle for power and that armed strength can be either a threat or a potentiality in boosting t...