Five sources of power and three processes of power. Structural sources of power. Power is the ability to get someone to do something he otherwise would not do. Power is relational and interpersonal.
Power relies on consent .
Power is contingent. There is no power if the other refuses to go along. The question of power then becomes how to get others to do what you want them to do. In some cultures, when you are the weaker party, the stronger party must protect you. The Chinese emperors gave gifts to foreigners who kow-towed.