How to Divide the World?

Many studies attempt to explore future trends. A problem I have with these studies is that they are often ahistorical and have a "grab bag" feel to them. A large number of trends, variables, or other international "shocks" are assembled, but do not take advantage of the insights of International Relations Theory and have few underlying or unifying themes. I will propose a set of variables that can be used to describe any international environment -- past, present, or future, and would like to explore the idea of "power" as a unifying theme.

This discussion will explore how power is is generated, who has it, how it is wielded, and for what purpose. I would like to propose a working definition of power as: "the ability of one actor to cause a change in behavior in another actor, at reasonable cost."

The advantage of this approach is that it spans the range of options, from military force, to coercion, to simple pursuasion.