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Can power ever truly be balanced between individuals, organizations or nations?

Karis McQuirter

Oh boy, here we go! The question of power! The answer to this is not as clear cut as we may want it to be. Let's dive into this together.

Power in any sphere has always been a topic of debate. Who has it? Who should have it? Who can get it? These questions have all sparked wars, violent protests, and debates that have lasted for centuries. To understand if power can ever truly be balanced between individuals, organizations, or nations, we first need to understand what power is.

Power is a very complex issue. It’s not just about control, but it’s also the ability to influence. For centuries humans have been on a quest for power. Some have wanted power to protect, while others have wanted it to destroy. Power could be found in various forms, which makes it hard to identify and comprehend.

The first type of power is physical power. The strongest person in the room, the one who can lift the most weight, can be considered to have the most physical power. This type of power is evident in situations of violence, where in most cases, only the strongest can survive. Next is economic power. In our current society, those with the most money are considered the most powerful. They are able to make decisions, and their money can influence what happens in society. It’s a sad truth, but money does make the world go round.

The third type of power is political power. Politicians are considered to have political power. They have the ability to make decisions that affect the lives of citizens. Finally, there's social power. This type of power is based on our social status, and it’s determined by the value that society places on you based on your race, gender, ethnicity, and so on. Social power can determine how much influence someone has in society.

Now that we've understood what power is, we can address the question. Can power ever truly be balanced between individuals, organizations, or nations? It’s difficult to say. Power, by its very definition, is an unequal distribution of control. It’s natural for humans to seek power, and in most cases, the strongest or wealthiest will end up being the most powerful.

However, that's not to say that power can't be balanced. There needs to be a shift in mindset in order for this to happen. We need to understand that power isn't always about control. People with power have a responsibility to use their influence for the greater good. Small acts of kindness and potential small efforts in making social changes can impact the lives of many by equally distributing resources and wealth.

It’s also important to ensure that power is dispersed across various institutions. For instance, it’s necessary to have multiple political parties, an independent media, and regulatory agencies that can keep those in power in check. Competition, no matter how much it can drive people apart, can also have the power to unite people if they are willing to listen, think rationally, and work together.

In conclusion, power is neither good nor bad, it’s how we choose to use it that's the real issue. Power is an inevitability and so is inequality. However, we can take small steps to shift the scales to create societies with more equality, balance, and fairness.