Power is a central concept in political ideas and ideologies, shaping relationships between individuals, groups, institutions, and states. At its most basic level, power refers to the capacity of an actor to influence the behavior, actions, or decisions of others, even against resistance. In politics, power determines who governs, how decisions are made, whose interests are prioritized, and how authority is maintained or challenged. Different political thinkers and ideologies have interpreted power in diverse ways, reflecting their assumptions about human nature, society, and the state. Classical political thought often viewed power as closely linked to authority and legitimacy. For thinkers like Aristotle, power was justified when exercised in accordance with virtue and the common good. Political power was seen as a necessary instrument for maintaining order and enabling citizens to achieve a good life within the polis. In contrast, Niccolò Machiavelli offered a more realistic and pragmatic understanding of power. He emphasized power as the ability of rulers to maintain control and