Power Structure

Abstract

Abstract: This article examines the structures of power and its characteristics in terms of the formal institutions of government. In addition to providing a general map of the concept of 'power structure,' this article blends the variegated facets of traditional power structures with modern and late modern ones. It highlights the thoughts of the main thinkers who influenced and shaped the contours of prevailing structures of political power and briefly represents some of their important work. The impact and effect of political power structure are illustrated with examples from the classical, medieval, modern, and late modern periods including exceptions to general cases. The article concludes with several arguments that are likely to feature in the future of politics, the social and political sciences, and understanding human behavior in the New Economy.