Governments exercise tremendous influence. This is among the reasons why they are able to rule effectively. Additionally, thanks to this influence and the immense power that they hold, the governments are able to quash any attempts to destabilize or topple them. In his text, Mann (1984) explores the sources of the power of the state. He argues that there are three basic elements that allow state authorities to exercise control. These elements are centrality, territorial demarcation and rule-making power. Combined, these three elements empower states to impose control and ensure order. A thorough analysis of these elements provides one with a clearer idea of how states manage to remain functional and influential even in the face of destabilizing forces.
Centrality of Power
Among the basic elements that define the state is centrality of power. This means that in most states, authority is concentrated in a particular office and power radiates outwards. For example, consider a nation that is headed by a president. The president holds immense influence but receives support form junior officers. In order to perform their duties, these officers are also allowed to exercise some power and influence. According to Mann (1984), the centrality of power could give rise to despotic leadership. Mann offers the examples of such nations as China where power is highly centralized. The leader of the country leverages his power to control virtually all aspects of Chinese society. Basically, by concentrating power in the hands of a few individuals, states ensure stability and limit the possibility of revolts. This is among the ways through which the states gain and maintain their power. In addition to allowing a select group of individuals to exercise tremendous control, centralized power also makes it possible for states to engage in infrastructural initiatives. Mann argues that since the states have immense power, they are able to determine the development areas to which they focus investment. Mann also adds that centralized power facilitates the stability of western democracies.
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While Mann’s discussion is largely informative, there are some issues that it fails to address adequately. For example, Mann does not properly acknowledge that centralized power could set the stage for gross violations of basic rights and lead to such issues as corruption. In the discussion, Mann presents centralized power as an essential resource that allows states to function properly and for authorities to deliver services. However, he appears to ignore the serious devastation that can occur when too much power is bestowed on too few individuals. Additionally, Mann does not address the need for checks and balances. If his vision of state power were actually true, the world would be comprised of nations ruled by authoritarian governments with little regard for the welfare of their people.
Territorially Demarcated Area
The second issue that defines states is territorially demarcated areas. Mann (1984) argues that states exercise control over a clearly defined territory. He adds that the demarcation of the territories imbue state power with legitimacy. For example, one state cannot invade the territories of others and impose its rule without a backlash. Today, such a move would attract international condemnation and could even cause violence. It is important to understand that having a territorially demarcated area is not enough to provide states with the power that they need to ensure order and exercise power. Mann (1984) suggests that territorial demarcations work together with centrality of power and rule-making power to enhance the influence of states. For instance, by exercising its centralized power, a state is able to protect its territories against aggressive take-overs and usurpations. Moreover, Mann observes that the demarcated territories guide states in defining where to invest their monies. It would be difficult for states to establish spending priorities without a clear understanding of the limits of their territories. Therefore, the demarcated areas play a vital role in guiding the policies that the states implement.
Rule Making Power
The third trait that defines states and supplies them with authority is rule-making power. Mann (1984) contends that states have the authority to establish and enforce rules. He adds that the state does not share this power with any other body. According to Mann, the monopoly of power that the state has allows it to exercise total and absolute control. One of the interesting points that he presents is that if need be, the state can use physical violence. For example, when its authority is threatened, the state can use the police or the military to restore order and demand full compliance. This is indeed true as there have been numerous instances when governments instruct the police to respond to protests with force. For example, in Arab nations such as Sudan which recently underwent a transition, the state used the police to attack protestors. The example of Sudan shows that states can protect their power thanks to the control they exercise over the means of violence.
For many states, physical violence is usually employed as last resort. This means that for the most part, the states rely on the two other sources of power discussed above. They leverage their territorial authority and the centrality of power to ensure that the nation operates smoothly. In essence, each of the three elements that define a state has its distinct purpose. However, states rely on all the elements to establish credibility, enforce the law, tackle threats and pursue policy priorities. However, as Mann suggests, these elements can also be exploited to pursue unacceptable objectives such as suppression of opposition voices.
In conclusion, the modern state is remarkably complex. However, there are some simple traits that nearly all states share. These include centralized power, rule-making authority and demarcated territorial areas. In addition to defining the state, these elements also provide the state with the power it needs to fulfill its obligations. While the elements generally facilitate the proper functioning of the state, they can also give rise to authoritarianism. Therefore, in order for states to operate without hitches but still respect the rights of their people, a system of checks and balances and a culture of accountability should be adopted.
References
Mann, M. (1984). The autonomous power of the state: its origins, mechanisms and results. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
