Great powers are those States that establish the rules of the system and that have the resources and capacities necessary to mobilize them optimally in defense of those rules. This article presents a reflection on the validity of the concept of power, starting from the basis that a power is more than a nation-state. Although the physical dimension is very important, it is not the only element to assess the capacity of a State in the international system. Military power has also always been one of the first attributes to take into account when evaluating a State, but in addition, it must have excellent material, industrial and military resources, supported by an economically flourishing base. Although power is a fundamental requirement, the will of the State to use that power is essential.
Keywords:
Great Powers, International Relations, International System, Military Power, Nation-State
Author Biography
Luis V. Pérez Gil
Licenciado en derecho en la Universidad La Laguna, España; actualmente realizando la tesis para la obtención del grado de doctor en derecho, en el Departamento de Derecho Internacional y Procesal de la Universidad de La Laguna, España.
Pérez Gil, L. V. (1999). El concepto de potencia en las relaciones internacionales. Estudios Internacionales, 32(127-128), p. 69–89. https://doi.org/10.5354/0719-3769.1999.14967
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