Power and its Dimensions in 21st Century World Affairs - Power is simply the ability to affect others to get the things you want. There are three ways to make this happen. You can threaten people with coercion: sticks. You can pay them: carrots. We sometimes talk about power as though it’s just twisting arms, but that’s not accurate.

Military power is typically the bedrock of a nation’s power. In this complex and dynamic world of changing demands, the nature of security today requires that it be conceive more broadly than at any time before. Some have called for a new and vibrant strategic direction for U.S. national security and foreign policy. Today’s context presents a unique set of challenges and requires a new way of thinking about American power and security.

University distinguished service professor, Harvard University and author of The Future of Power