Prometheus 6

[LATER: I don't know if this thread will be useful. so read the linked stuff, absorb it for later discussions.] 

Theories of power

This section covers the whole range of theoretical and methodological issues having to do with power, and provides background for reading the more historically specific discussions of power in the United States at the national and local levels. Here, you can read about:

Studying Power
Find out how power is defined and measured by social scientists.

Axioms of Power
It's useful to be reminded that some things are true about power everywhere and at all levels of society: power "corrupts" those who hold it, "divide and conquer" is a main way to gain power, and creating an "outside enemy" is a good way to solidify power.

Power Structure Research
A brief overview and history of power structure research in the United States.

The Four Networks Theory of Power
Power is based in ideological, economic, military and political networks -- Michael Mann's "IEMP model." It's my preferred approach, leading to a class-domination theory when applied to the United States.

Alternative Theories
The main rivals to the Four Network theory: pluralism, state autonomy theory, elite theory, and Marxism.