Which type of power is characterized by coercion and is backed by force?

The type of power characterized by coercion and backed by force is hard power. This concept refers to the use of force or coercive measures to influence the behavior of others, often through military or economic capabilities. Hard power is associated with domination and the ability to compel compliance, often through threats or actual usage of military force, economic sanctions, or other forms of pressure.

In contrast, soft power revolves around persuasion and attraction, often manifesting through culture, values, and foreign policies that appeal to others without coercion. Symbolic power typically relates to the influence derived from social symbols and meanings, while structural power refers to the ability to shape the rules and structures within which social relationships occur, often operating at a systemic level rather than through overt force or coercion. Understanding these distinctions helps in analyzing how different forms of power play out in global contexts, making it clear why hard power is defined in terms of coercion and force.