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Human Existence: Paradigm of Power Struggle

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Abstract

Human history is vast and humankind which has made tremendous progress in science and technology; yet, we need to ponder over the problem that 'have we come out from the caveman mentality'. In this chapter, the concept of power has been explored with the help of historical and philosophical perspectives. Definitions propounded by different scholars and schools, mainly the idealists and realists, have been analysed. Starting from Thucydides and going up to Morgenthau, one realizes that the realist school not only found prominence in the subject of political science but also in the field of politics. The chapter contemplates over the different kinds of approach to power employed by various societies, state and institutions and ponders over its impact as well. In this context, certain important ancient civilizations such as that of Greek, Romans and Egyptians, states under monarchy like India and the institution of United Nations have been studied. This is done to seek the difference in the approach of power between them.

International politics, like all politics, is a struggle for power. Whatever the ultimate aims of international politics, power is always the immediate aim.

Hans J. Morgenthau (Morgenthau, H. 1978. Politics Among Nations, New York, Knopf, p. 29.)

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Notes

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Law, Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

    Katyayani Singh

  2. Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

    Anoop Swarup

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  1. Katyayani Singh
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  2. Anoop Swarup
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Correspondence to Katyayani Singh .

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Singh, K., Swarup, A. (2020). Human Existence: Paradigm of Power Struggle. In: The Nonkilling Paradigm. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-1247-6_2

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