Power and Ambivalence in the 21st Century

Power and Ambivalence in the 21st Century

By Dean Bordode

Power is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, often characterized by contradictions and tensions. It can be used for good or evil, to promote progress or to stifle dissent. It can be exercised by individuals, organizations, or states, and it can be manifested in various forms, including economic, political, and social.

In the 21st century, the ambivalence of power is particularly evident. Globalization, technological advancements, and social and political changes have created a world in which power is constantly negotiated and contested. 

The COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the climate crisis have further highlighted the complexities and contradictions of power.

This article explores the concept of the ambivalence of power, drawing on a variety of sources, including academic research, news reports, and personal narratives. It examines how power is exercised in different spheres of life, including the economy, politics, culture, and social relations. It also discusses the implications of the ambivalence of power for individuals, organizations, and states.

The Ambivalence of Power in the Economy

The economy is a key arena in which the ambivalence of power is manifested. 

Economic actors, such as corporations and individuals, can use their power to promote their own interests, often at the expense of others. 

However, they can also use their power to promote social good and sustainability.

In Abusive Supervision in Organizations: Power, Dependency and Employee Voice in Labour Relations, the author demonstrates how employers' power over employees can lead to abusive supervision.

However, the report also shows how employees can use their voice ("the weapons of the weak") to challenge this power and create a more equitable workplace.

Similarly, in How Brand Holders Have Deprived Counterfeiting of Legitimacy in Russia Since the Early 2000s, it is shown how economic power can be used to combat counterfeiting ("power with"), which not only protects intellectual property rights but also benefits consumers and the state.

The Ambivalence of Power in Politics

Politics is another domain in which the ambivalence of power is evident. Political actors, such as states and politicians, can use their power to promote peace and security or to wage war and oppress dissent. 

They can also use their power to protect human rights or to violate them.

Targeted and Killed: How Russia 

Targeted and Killed HRD Tigran Galustyan in Ukraine illustrates the tragic consequences of the abuse of power ("power over").

Human rights defender Tigran Galustyan was killed by a Russian drone while evacuating civilians from the front line in Ukraine. 

This case highlights the need for greater international protection of human rights defenders and for accountability for those who violate their rights.

Comprehensive Report:

Addressing Sovereignty, Security and Human Rights in Canada shows how quickly rights can be eroded and emphasizes the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard national sovereignty.

The Ambivalence of Power in Culture

Culture is a sphere in which the ambivalence of power is often expressed in subtle and indirect ways. 

Cultural norms and values can shape our understanding of power and influence how we exercise it.

Everyday Politics of Consumption: Why Cynical Consumers are Disappointed Citizens - The Case of Moscow During the Economic Crisis of 2014-2017 shows how the Soviet past has shaped consumer cynicism ("the weapons of the weak") in Russia. 

Consumers in Russia are often suspicious of sellers and the market, and they tend to rely on the state to protect their interests.

This cynicism can be seen as a form of resistance to the power of the market and the state.

The Ambivalence of Power in Social Relations

Social relations are also characterized by the ambivalence of power. Individuals and groups can use their power to promote cooperation and solidarity or to perpetuate inequality and discrimination.

Childbirth with Doulas in Moscow: Between Empowerment and Responsibility illustrates how women can use the support of doulas to exercise more power ("power to") and control over their childbirth experiences ("the weapons of the weak").

Doulas provide women with informational, emotional, and physical support, which can help them to resist the medicalization of childbirth and to make more informed choices about their care.

The "Weapons of the Weak"

The concept of "the weapons of the weak" refers to the tactics that marginalized groups can use to resist the power of dominant groups.

These tactics can be subtle and indirect, but they can be effective in challenging power structures.

In the reports on abusive supervision, childbirth with doulas, and ecological practices, individuals are using "the weapons of the weak" to resist the power of their employers, the medical system, and the state.

They are using their voices, their choices, and their everyday practices to create a more just and equitable world.

The Implications of the Ambivalence of Power

The ambivalence of power has profound implications for individuals, organizations, and states. It requires us to be vigilant in monitoring how power is exercised and to hold those in power accountable for their actions. It also calls on us to be proactive in using our own power to promote positive change.

In a world characterized by uncertainty and complexity, the ambivalence of power is a constant challenge.

However, it is also an opportunity for us to learn and grow, to build a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.

About the Author

Dean Bordode is a seasoned human rights advocate, retired labor union activist, and passionate defender of social justice. With a strong background in upholding the rule of law, public service, and advocacy,

Dean advocates tirelessly to amplify marginalized voices and promote equality. Drawing from a deep commitment to the principles of fairness and human dignity, he is also an active voice on issues of sustainability, human rights, and global peace.

Dean is dedicated to using his platform to address global challenges and protect vulnerable communities.

References

 * Balabanova, E. (2022). Abusive Supervision in Organizations: Power, Dependency and Employee Voice in Labour Relations. In V. Radaev & Z. Kotelnikova (Eds.), The Ambivalence of Power in the Twenty-First-Century Economy: Cases from Russia and Beyond (pp. 122-145). London: UCL Press.

 * Berdysheva, E. (2022). One Man's Pill is Another Man's Poison: Ambivalence of Definitional Power - The Case of Breast Cancer Drugs in Russia. In V. Radaev & Z. Kotelnikova (Eds.), The Ambivalence of Power in the Twenty-First-Century Economy: Cases from Russia and Beyond (pp. 261-279). London: UCL Press.

 * Bordode, D. (2023). Comprehensive Report: Addressing Sovereignty, Security, and Human Rights in Canada.

 * Denisova, M. (2022). Childbirth with Doulas in Moscow: Between Empowerment and Responsibility. In V. Radaev & Z. Kotelnikova (Eds.), The Ambivalence of Power in the Twenty-First-Century Economy: Cases from Russia and Beyond (pp. 321-341). London: UCL Press.

 * Dooley, B. (2024). Targeted and Killed: How Russia Targeted and Killed HRD Tigran Galustyan in Ukraine.

 * Kotelnikova, Z. (2022). How Brand Holders Have Deprived Counterfeiting of Legitimacy in Russia Since the Early 2000s. In V. Radaev & Z. Kotelnikova (Eds.), The Ambivalence of Power in the Twenty-First-Century Economy: Cases from Russia and Beyond (pp. 217-236). London: UCL Press.

 * Lebedeva, D. (2022). Empowerment of the Disempowered: Assessing the Impact of Young Muscovites Through Ecological Practices. In V. Radaev & Z. Kotelnikova (Eds.), The Ambivalence of Power in the Twenty-First-Century Economy: Cases from Russia and Beyond (pp. 342-364). London: UCL Press.

 * Nikulin, A., & Kurakin, A. (2022). Contradictions of Centralization: Four Models of Interaction Between Russian Rural Communities and Government and Agribusiness. In V. Radaev & Z. Kotelnikova (Eds.), The Ambivalence of Power in the Twenty-First-Century Economy: Cases from Russia and Beyond (pp. 58-79). London: UCL Press.

 * Pavlyutkin, I., & Makareva, A. (2022). Academic Excellence Through Homogenization? Gaining Legitimacy from the Strategic Positioning of Top-Ranked Universities. In V. Radaev & Z. Kotelnikova (Eds.), The Ambivalence of Power in the Twenty-First-Century Economy: Cases from Russia and Beyond (pp. 237-260). London: UCL Press.

 * Pobedonostsev, A. (2022). The Pitfalls of Rent-Seeking: Alternative Mechanisms of Resource Rent Collection in Russia and Venezuela. In V. Radaev & Z. Kotelnikova (Eds.), The Ambivalence of Power in the Twenty-First-Century Economy: Cases from Russia and Beyond (pp. 36-57). London: UCL Press.

 * Radaev, V. (2022). The Power of Non-Compliance: Inter-firm Opportunism in Russian Consumer Markets. In V. Radaev & Z. Kotelnikova (Eds.), The Ambivalence of Power in the Twenty-First-Century Economy: Cases from Russia and Beyond (pp. 102-121). London: UCL Press.

 * Resheteeva, R. (2022). Everyday Politics of Consumption: Why Cynical Consumers are Disappointed Citizens - The Case of Moscow During the Economic Crisis of 2014-2017. In V. Radaev & Z. Kotelnikova (Eds.), The Ambivalence of Power in the Twenty-First-Century Economy: Cases from Russia and Beyond (pp. 302-320). London: UCL Press.

 * Shevchuk, A., & Strebkov, D. (2022). Beyond the State and Digital Platforms: (In)formalization of Freelance Contracting in Russia. In V. Radaev & Z. Kotelnikova (Eds.), The Ambivalence of Power in the Twenty-First-Century Economy: Cases from Russia and Beyond (pp. 146-170). London: UCL Press.

 * Tysiachniouk, M. S., Teitelbaum, S., Petrov, A. N., & Horowitz, L. S. (2022). Private Authority in Regulating Markets: Power Dynamics around Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in Forestry and the Oil Industry in Russia. In V. Radaev & Z. Kotelnikova (Eds.), The Ambivalence of Power in the Twenty-First-Century Economy: Cases from Russia and beyond (pp. 188-216). London: UCL Press.

Further Research Links:

1. "The Ambivalence of Power in the Twenty-First Century Economy: Cases from Russia and beyond"

   - Link: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/A/bo186923859.html

   - Link: https://www.scribd.com/book/599286417/The-Ambivalence-of-Power-in-the-Twenty-First-Century-Economy-Cases-from-Russia-and-beyond

2. "Soviet and Post-Soviet Planning"

   - Link:

 https://osf.io/htwc9/download

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