Physical force constitutes power because it asymmetrically orders parties’ relative preferences

Evidence

It is of the essence of certain forms that they entail complete reciprocity—economic exchange, personal adornment, and crowd behavior51 are examples. In other forms the reciprocity may be more or less symmetrical. In some cases a relationship gives the appearance of being wholly one-way—power, for example—but closer inspection reveals that in some measure ego is being influenced by, as well as influencing, alter. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 77 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Effective power requires asymmetrical preferences over avoidable alternatives — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 620; Physical force mediates power’s symbolic and organic levels, differentiating political power; Force superiority within a territory requires organized mobilization of resources (+12 more)

Related

• Physical force mediates power’s symbolic and organic levels, differentiating political power (similarity 0.88)
• Even power relationships involve reciprocal influence between parties (similarity 0.84)
• Effective power requires asymmetrical preferences over avoidable alternatives (similarity 0.83)
• Physical force achieves effects largely free of symbolic preconditions (similarity 0.83)
• A superior’s impotent superiority is a precondition for subordinate power. (similarity 0.80)

Broader Connections

• Even power relationships involve reciprocal influence between parties #complicates (0.70) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 77
• Power catalyzes action chains that reduce the complexity of coordinating many parties #expands (0.60)
• Power cannot self-realize but depends on societal-structural conditions for legitimacy #complicates (0.50)
• Discoursing on power differs fundamentally from being silenced by it #complicates (0.40)