by Ellend Heath

Created on: September 30, 2007

Allow me to propose a paradox. Power is violence but violence is not necessarily power. Gazing through the annals of history we are posed with a variety of questions. Can a nation or an individual wield great strength through the implementations of violence? Dictators from the time of Mesopotamia to the era of Leftist rulers in the Third World have thrived through a comprehensive approach to power. They have instilled memory forming morale drives and camps, assassinations of rivals (and their families), and also the control of information. Orwellian thoughts have shown us the sheer power that someone can wield through coercive measures. Violence can lead to possible loss of power, as evidenced in the Shah of Iran. He wielded great force, but the more he used it the less secure he became. Ultimately, his violence created such a discord in the populace that it bred revolution.

Conversely, power is a great form of violence. I build off of the thoughts of Nietzsche when I say that power is violence. Power can be used both in the physical sense of violence, with the death of rivals and consolidation of power through a large armed force (i.e., hard' power), and also in the general sense of the word. Power can be consolidated through soft' means. This would be through food, aid, goodwill, and gentle diplomacy. You can tear someone away from his or her family through showering that individual with kindness. A group could bring another group in closer alignment through the giving of gifts. This soft' power can help sow the seeds for discord among the nations and groups on a far greater level than hard' power could possibly perform. Winning a group over without firing a shot is a wonderful task in Realpolitik.

Ideology is ultimately power; violence is an extension of that ideology. Violence, whether soft' or hard,' is an extension of a group's philosophy and ideas. I bring the example of the Cold War to the forefront. The Cold War was not so much about power but about ideology. Power is an extension of the rivals' thoughts. These thoughts would lead to the formation of a power struggle where aid, proxy conflict and tension ruled the day.

The individuals who wielded massive quantities of power have marked all of history, ruling with violence. Consolidating power is an amazing task, even in everyday relationships. That power that one holds in relationships (which can be good, neutral or bad) is ultimately a violent act. It is an incredible paradox, but nevertheless, with that great power comes tremendous responsibility. So whether you are a political figure or an office clerk, wield it wisely.

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