hard power

noun

1. the ability to achieve one's goals by force, esp military force Compare soft power

Example Sentences

Unlike the so-called hard power stance of building up a military or a stock of munitions and weapons to deter global rivals, these kinds of “soft power” diplomatic moves take a more subtle approach.

From Los Angeles Times

“The national security of the United States depends on the willingness of its leaders to build, sustain, and exercise hard power,” McConnell said after House passage Saturday, adding, “I make no apology for taking these linked threats seriously or for urging the Biden administration and my colleagues in Congress to do the same.”

From Seattle Times

By contrast, China’s wealth and potential hard power dwarf all its Asian neighbors, and its conquest of Taiwan would enable a breakout for its naval strength, a much wider projection of authoritarian influence and a reshuffling of economic relationships in Asia and around the world.

From Seattle Times

Germans, and even the Social Democrats, “have come to the realization that Germany lives in the real world and that hard power matters,” said Charles A. Kupchan, a Europe expert at Georgetown University.

From New York Times

The report identified two recent studies by China‘s army that open-source researchers say indicate the Chinese military is augmenting “hard power” weapons with new types of arms to help win wars without conventional weapons.

From Washington Times