Political Theory

13

Theories of Power, Dominance and Hegemony

Introduction

Power as an Analytical Variable in Politics

In Chapter 12, we have briefly dealt with the relationship between authority, legitimacy and political obligation. A point has been made there that a citizen's loyalty towards and identification with the authority is assumed because of inherent legitimacy and consent it carries. Political obligation is easily maintained in such a situation and those subject to it, i.e., the modern citizens, follow orders and laws emanating from the authority not merely due to command or force but by willing allegiance. When there is deficit in willing allegiance, it leads to legitimacy crisis and breakdown of political obligation. Authority is a form of power, ...