Premium
Power as maximizing behavior
Author(s) -
Tanaka Hiroshi
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 0005-7940
DOI - 10.1002/bs.3830340304
Subject(s) - power (physics) , balance (ability) , hegemony , law and economics , politics , line (geometry) , computer science , mathematical economics , sociology , political science , law , economics , mathematics , psychology , physics , geometry , quantum mechanics , neuroscience
Most authors have accepted the notion that A has power over B to the extent that A can get B to do what he wants B to do. However, they should have asked themselves, “How can A do so? What is it that A must manipulate in doing so?” This paper argues that it is B 's essential data that A must manipulate, and presents a formulation of the interaction between A and B following this line of thought. It is also shown that the condition for the stable equilibrium is related to the law of “comparative advantage.” Some of the important concepts in international politics, such as hegemony and balance of power, are explained in the same way.