Rational Choice and Political Power

Abstract

Rational Choice and Political Power is a classic text republished with two new chapters. It critiques the three dimensions of power showing that we can explain everything the dimensions are designed to highlight using the tools of rational choice theory. It argues power is best seen as a property of agents, and can be measured by looking at their relative resources. Breaking down power resources into five abstract categories we can see why groups of individuals can fail to secure their best interests due to the collective action problem. We can also define objective interests in through the lens of collective action. Despite power being seen as a property of agents rational choice models of power provide structural Explanation. The power and luck structure is the relationship in agential resource-holding given agents preferences. The book explains the difference between power and systematic luck – the latter is where groups, including powerful ones – can get what they want without doing anything simply because of their social location in the power and luck structure. The book engages with some feminist critiques of seeing power in rational choice terms and includes some methodological discussion of the relationship of methodological individualism and structuralism and then that the concept of power is essentially contested. This book’s unique interaction with both classical and contemporary debates makes it an essential resource for anyone teaching or studying power in the disciplines of sociology, philosophy, politics or international relations.