Types of actors and the power they wield

Table of Contents

Power: 50%

Reason for Power: State actors hold the ultimate authority in governance, including the ability to enact laws, deploy military force, control national economies, and dictate international relations. They also have the capacity to make binding decisions through executive power, legislation, and diplomacy, making them the dominant global players in terms of power.
- Examples:
  - United States: Superpower status in military, diplomacy, and economy.
  - China: Rising influence in global trade, military presence, and geopolitical strategies.
  - Russia: Nuclear power, military interventions, and geopolitical influence in Europe and the Middle East.

Power: 25%

Reason for Power: MNCs have an enormous economic footprint, often greater than the GDP of smaller countries. They control vast global supply chains, consumer markets, and often can sway government policies through lobbying, investment decisions, and their financial influence. While they lack the military or direct legislative power of states, their economic reach gives them substantial leverage.
- Examples:
  - Apple: Control over global tech markets and consumer behaviors.
  - ExxonMobil: Dominance in the global energy market and influence on energy policy.
  - Amazon: E-commerce giant shaping retail and logistics industries worldwide.

Power: 10-15%

Reason for Power: International organizations coordinate global efforts, set international norms, and influence global governance. Their power comes from the ability to shape policies, mediate disputes, and facilitate multilateral agreements. However, their power is often dependent on the cooperation of state actors, meaning their influence can be limited if states refuse to comply.
- Examples:
  - United Nations (UN): Organizes peacekeeping missions, sets international standards on human rights and conflict resolution.
  - World Health Organization (WHO): Coordinates global health initiatives (e.g., during pandemics).
  - World Trade Organization (WTO): Regulates global trade rules and resolves trade disputes.

Power: 10%

Reason for Power: The media and influencers shape public opinion, create social movements, and can have a significant indirect influence on policy decisions. Their power lies in their ability to influence societal norms, awareness, and political discourse, though they don’t directly control legislation or military force.
- Examples:
  - CNN, BBC: Global news platforms shaping political discourse.
  - Social Media (Twitter, TikTok): Platforms that facilitate social movements, influence elections, and shape political agendas.
  - Greta Thunberg: An example of an individual influencer shaping the global climate change conversation.

Power: 5-10%

Reason for Power: Non-state actors like terrorist organizations and insurgent groups may not have formal power, but they can disrupt governments, destabilize regions, and force military and diplomatic responses. Their power is most potent in conflict zones or areas of instability, where they can shape security and political outcomes by challenging state authority.
- Examples:
  - ISIS: Used military force to control territories and influence global security policies.
  - Taliban: Gained control of Afghanistan, influencing U.S. and international policy.
  - Al-Qaeda: Responsible for terrorist actions that triggered global counterterrorism measures.

Power: 5-10%

Reason for Power: Civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are vital for advocacy and social change. They have limited direct power but can influence government policies, public awareness, and humanitarian efforts. They often push for reforms and can change the direction of social, environmental, and human rights policies, though they lack formal decision-making authority.
- Examples:
  - Amnesty International: Advocacy for human rights and government accountability.
  - Greenpeace: Advocacy for environmental policies, including action on climate change.
  - Doctors Without Borders: Providing humanitarian aid and influencing global health policy.

Power Dynamics