In international relations, what does 'hard power' refer to?

'Hard power' refers to the use of coercive tactics, primarily military force and economic sanctions, to influence the behavior of other actors in international relations. This form of power relies on direct and tangible means to achieve national objectives, such as deploying military resources or exerting economic pressure to compel or deter actions by other states.

In contrast to 'soft power', which emphasizes the ability to attract and co-opt through cultural influence and diplomacy, hard power is characterized by its focus on command and control. It reflects a more confrontational and assertive approach to international relations, where coercion is employed to achieve specific strategic goals. Understanding the distinction between hard and soft power is crucial for analyzing how states interact and pursue their interests on the global stage.