Hard power
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Hard power is a concept which is mainly used in realism in international relations and refers to national power which comes from military and economic means.
It is used in contrast to soft power, which refers to power that comes from diplomacy and culture.
Hard power lies at the command end of the spectrum of behaviours and describes a nations ability to coerce or induce another nation to perform a course of action. This can be done through military power which consists of coercive diplomacy, war and alliance using threats and force with the aim of coercion, deterrence and protection. Alternatively economic power can be used which relies on aid, bribes and economic sanctions in order to induce and coerce.
Further reading
Joseph S. Nye, Jr, Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics