Michel Foucault Beyond Structuralism and Hermeneutics - Essay Example

In the contemporary times, power within and across nations has emerged as major contentious issue that tends to suppress the wider objectives of democratic principles and sovereignty of nations which are less power powerful in terms of socio-economic, technology and military superiority. He describes it as a relation that is only visible when it is applied or used strategically in a situation to achieve one’s own vested interests (Foucault, 1982; Mills, 2003). Thus, it use or misuse becomes vital ingredients of maintaining one’s status in global political arena.

The hegemony of America in global politics is prime example of economic, technological and military power that it applies over other nations. America has used its power either directly like invading Iraq on false pretence or indirectly through leading financial institutions like World Bank, IMF and international agencies like United Nations, etc. and forcing developing and under-developed nations to open their markets for foreign business. Thus, Foucault’s concept of power can easily be applied to international relations.

(words: 286)