Power obsessed

Abstract

Governance is best analysed using rational choice theory to identify the extent to which different groups can systematically punish and reward others. This is roughly in line with Dowding's important book Rational Choice and Political Power. It is different though in the sense that it does not focus on the measurement of social power, but rather a subset of it. Focusing on the latter avoids difficulties relating to systematic luck, such as distinguishing it from legitimacy and the possession of information, and also clarifies the importance of coordination problems for the analysis.