Rational Choice and Political Power

Dowding, Keith

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Rational Choice and Political Power

Date

2019

Authors

Dowding, Keith

Publisher

Bristol University Press

Abstract

This illuminating title applies rational choice theory to the power debate, demonstrating the fallacious arguments of all sides. Power is analysed as a bargaining game where the power of actors is assessed in terms of the resources to which they have access. By distinguishing luck from power it shows that many groups widely regarded as powerful are merely lucky, albeit as a result of systematic features of society.