Strong security on a national level forms the basis of powerful states. The various forms of power that include soft, hard, and smart as its primary examples are therefore highly influential in the case of both domestic and international politics. Moreover, there are several approaches to viewing the main factors that strengthen state security and allow for political advantages. While some scholars believe in material value, it is not the most effective tool that can be used in international leadership battles (Mearsheimer, 2014). Although the importance of state security remains a critical element of this discussion, its stabilizing and destabilizing aspects must be analyzed in more detail. As governments compete for internal and external dominance, such efforts may result in detrimental consequences for either side. Ultimately, state interactions must be reviewed to highlight their roles in solving the security dilemma.
A state’s quest for security can be presented as stabilizing in the case of a solid internal socio-economic foundation. In that way, the strategies aimed at improving national safety are most effective only if the government relies on a range of factors, including public support, materialistic advantages, and military dominance (Mearsheimer, 2014). At the same time, it is essential to note that the mentioned factors purely form the basis for a stable political position but do not necessarily guarantee long-term stability.
Still, military force is one of the most reliable and permanent elements affecting a state’s level of security. The factor serves as both a protective and, in rare cases, combative weapon in major international crises (Nye, 2021). Hence, power can either be retracted or actively demonstrated with the purpose of resource and status retention. Stabilizing occurs as the state benefits from incoming trade and opportunities for its population. Gradually, extensive efforts become less necessary for safety reasons and can be directed towards internal politics instead.
Moreover, political planning plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of a security agenda. The process can promote beneficial reforms as state officials understand the maximum risks that can be taken without jeopardizing its domestic situation. The economic foundation of military power must be accurately calculated to ensure optimal chances of gaining power (Mearsheimer, 2014). Consequently, the role of wealth is evidently key in strengthening the functions of secondary elements, such as the military force. At the same time, such conclusions can be made due to the significance of political planning.
On the other hand, a state’s quest for security is destabilizing as it redirects essential resources and opportunities from internal issues to external conflicts. Economically, a state’s population can suffer from the prioritization of security measures. If a country is unable to solve its own issues with adequate timing, any further attempts to improve its political position in the world may be unnecessary and counter-productive. Minimal references to the intelligent power strategies can also contribute to disassembling a state’s structure (Wilson, 2008). Hence, the destabilizing nature of cross-state security struggles comprises incorrectly selected strategies and economic priorities.
Furthermore, the repercussions of the power struggle can most effectively be mediated through the state to state interactions, although the stance of modern international institutions is becoming more influential. As historic events highlight, force expressed through military action and other forms of “hard power” between states proves to be most contributive to each government’s stability (Nye, 2021). Moreover, cooperation allows for control in areas belonging to foreign governments (Nye, 2009). Consequently, cooperation between states can always be guaranteed with minimal involvement of institutional efforts. Still, contemporary strategies are focusing more on involving various institutions to fit into modern social norms. This could signify a novel chapter in the international resolution of conflict.
As noted in the discussion of the stabilizing and destabilizing nature of security advancement, several forms of power influence the direction of a political discourse by creating an imbalance of control across various areas. Ernest J. Wilson III argues that smart power is the most relevant form that incorporates the practical aspects of soft and hard power to favor the national interest strategically (Wilson, 2008). While the term is the main determining factor in international politics, it can be viewed as both a consequence and cause of socio-economic dominance. Power can be used to gain more resources and enforce the conditions for long-term stability. Most importantly, the phenomenon can include subtle cultural influences that secure internal communities while inducing control of external territories (Wilson, 2008). Hence, effective distribution of the various power forms will optimize a state’s political position.
In conclusion, a state’s quest for security can either be more stabilizing or destabilizing, depending on its political strategy, military force condition, and other internal factors. It is important to consider the domestic government situation as it will form the foundation for any further security advancements. The efficiency with which each state carries out its political plans will determine its power capacity. Evidently, soft, hard, and smart power allow different aspects of a country’s socio-economic reservoir to be demonstrated and utilized for maximum benefit. Ultimately, the contributions of international institutions to prominent international issues are becoming more advantageous as they target currently relevant social regulations.
References
Mearsheimer, J. J. (2014). Wealth and power. In The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (Updated ed.). W. W. Norton & Company. Course Reserves.
Nye, J. S. (2009). Get Smart: Combining hard and soft power. Foreign Affairs, 88(4), 160–163. Web.
Nye, Jr., J. S. (2021). The future power: Its changing nature and use in the twenty-first century (Unabridged ed., pp. 3–109, 209–217). Gildan Audio and Blackstone Publishing.
Wilson, E. J. (2008). Hard power, soft power, smart power. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 616, 110–124. Web.