Karen_A._Mingst,_Ivan_M._Arregu_n-Toft]_Essentia

148 CHAPTER FivE ■ The STaTe

tangible sources of Power

Among the tangible sources of power, industrial development, economic diversifica­
tion, level of infrastructure, and characteristics of the military are among the most
critical. With an advanced industrial capacity, the advantages and disadvantages of
geography diminish. Air travel, for example, makes geographic expanse less of a bar­
rier to commerce, yet at the same time, makes even large states militarily vulnerable.
Industrialization modifies the importance of population, too. Large but poorly
equipped armies are no match for small armies with advanced equipment. Industrial­
ized states generally have higher educational levels and more advanced technology,
and use capital more efficiently, all of which add to their tangible power potential.

i tangible Sources of Powern

Intangible power sources— national image, quality of government, public support, leader­
ship, and morale— may be as impor tant as the tangible ones, although not to radicals,
who emphasize material sources of power. People within states have images of their own

IngredIenTS of

STaTe Power PoTenTIal

f IgUre 5.1

Geography

Natural resources

Population

Natural sources of power:

Industrial development

Level of infrastructure

Characteristics of military

Tangible sources of power:

National image

Public support

Leadership

Intangible sources of power: