Single Idea 22850

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 1. Social Power]

Full Idea

Power is at its most effective when it is least observable.

Gist of Idea

Hidden powers are the most effective

Source

Steven Lukes (Power: a Radical View (2nd ed) [2005], Intro)

Book Reference

Lukes,Steven: 'Power: a radical view' [Macmillan 2005], p.1


A Reaction

Kind of common sense, though his account has been very influential. We must be cautious about asserting the existence of powers which are massive but totally undetectable.