Interconnected networks of light in a Russian landscape symbolizing power and national identity.

Unifying Russia: How Power Dynamics Shape National Identity

Jordan Keane in Politics & Policy June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the crucial role of power in building a cohesive Russian identity in an ever-changing global landscape."

In a world undergoing constant transformation, the concept of governance as a social phenomenon remains a central topic in social and philosophical discussions. The scientific community's interest in this area naturally intensifies during periods of significant social change, particularly when the mechanisms of social control face potential destabilization.

Power, at its core, is not a natural phenomenon but a human construct. Its existence implies a society where accepted behaviors are recognized and reinforced, and where deviations are addressed through established norms and laws. The very essence of a society necessitates that its members undergo shared biological and socio-historical evolution.

The relevance of studying power as a social phenomenon is amplified by the collapse of outdated power structures amidst globalization. This necessitates the formation of new relationships built on power and submission, fundamentally altering philosophical paradigms. This exploration examines how power dynamics influence the construction of a unified all-Russian identity.

The Essence of Power: Shaping Social Order

Interconnected networks of light in a Russian landscape symbolizing power and national identity.

The core of power as a social phenomenon resides in the socially constructed nature of its rationality, directed towards organizing the environment based on both immediate and long-term objectives. It manifests in how the external environment is structured to achieve specific outcomes aligned with the state's interests at a given historical juncture.

Historically, power has been viewed through various lenses. Aristotle saw power as legitimate when used for the common good, while Polybius highlighted its potential for degeneration. Cicero emphasized different types of power, advocating for a mixed form to prevent abuse. These perspectives underscore the enduring concern about the application and distribution of power within a society.

Greco-Roman Philosophy: Focused on individual self-control and the structure of the state.
Christianity: Introduced the theocratic idea of divinely ordained earthly power.
Machiavelli: Conceptualized the state as the primary source of power, separating politics from morality.
Modern Philosophy: Emphasized popular sovereignty and the state's role in exercising power, including the use of violence when necessary.

Modern thinkers like Nietzsche, Weber, and Dahl link power to the ability to influence others, while Parsons shifts the focus to resource allocation for achieving goals. These evolving perspectives highlight the complex interplay between power, freedom, and societal objectives. Contemporary theories explore rationalist and irrationalist approaches to social control, examining how language and desires shape power relations.

The Path Forward: Consolidation and Humanization

In conclusion, understanding power as a social phenomenon is vital for building a cohesive all-Russian national identity. This involves purposefully applying power practices at all levels of society to foster consolidation. Successfully implementing these practices can address interconnected challenges, humanizing interpersonal relations, creating a favorable environment, and solidifying society's foundation for the future.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.17485/ijst/2016/v9i5/87593, Alternate LINK

Title: Power As A Social Phenomenon: The Nature And Importance In The Constructionof The All-Russian Identity

Subject: Multidisciplinary

Journal: Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Publisher: Indian Society for Education and Environment

Authors: Yelena Emirbekovna Emirbekova, Narykov Nikolay Vladimrovch, Sergey Ivanovich Samygin, Pyotr Sergeyevich Samygin, Andrey Valeryevich Rachipa

Published: 2016-02-09

Everything You Need To Know

What does it mean to describe 'power' as a social phenomenon, and why is it important?

Power, as a social phenomenon, is a concept rooted in the idea that it is not a naturally occurring force but a construct created and maintained by humans within a society. It's based on accepted behaviors reinforced by norms and laws, and deviations are addressed through established systems. Power's significance lies in its ability to shape social order and dictate how a society functions. It is important because it influences the structure of the external environment to achieve specific outcomes, aligning with the state's interests at any given historical moment.

Why is it so important to study power as a social phenomenon, especially during times of change?

Studying power as a social phenomenon is crucial because it helps in understanding how societies function, especially during periods of significant change like globalization. The collapse of outdated power structures necessitates forming new relationships based on power and submission, which fundamentally alters philosophical paradigms. Understanding these dynamics is vital for building a cohesive all-Russian national identity and addressing challenges at all levels of society.

How have different philosophical and historical perspectives shaped our understanding of 'power'?

Historically, the concept of power has been viewed through various lenses. Greco-Roman philosophy focused on individual self-control and the structure of the state. Christianity introduced the theocratic idea of divinely ordained earthly power. Machiavelli conceptualized the state as the primary source of power, separating politics from morality. Modern philosophy emphasized popular sovereignty and the state's role in exercising power. Understanding these perspectives is essential for grasping the complexities of power and its application within a society.

What does 'consolidation' mean, and why is it essential for a national identity?

Consolidation in this context refers to the purposeful application of power practices at all levels of society to foster a unified all-Russian national identity. It's essential because it addresses interconnected challenges, humanizes interpersonal relations, creates a favorable environment, and solidifies society's foundation for the future. Successful consolidation involves understanding and managing power dynamics to achieve societal goals and stability.

In this context, what is meant by 'humanization,' and why is it significant?

Humanization, in the context of power dynamics, means improving interpersonal relations and creating a more favorable environment within society. It involves addressing challenges by applying power practices thoughtfully and ethically. Humanization is significant because it aims to make society more just, equitable, and cohesive, fostering a stronger sense of national identity and unity among its members.