Publication

This paper discusses the impossibility of objectively measuring the concept of power, arguing that international relations as a discipline misconceived and misused the concept. In the first part of the study, the author shows how a general 'overall power' analysis is inevitably flawed. The second part introduces the notion of performativity, and highlights the political battle over defining the criteria for power. Finally, the paper discusses the debate over US power, showing that the way power is conceived implies and legitimates particular foreign policy action.