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Question
What is ideological power?
Answer
The power that comes from shaping people's ideas and beliefs about what is right, normal and legitimate.
Question
What is hegemony?
Answer
When one set of ideas becomes the accepted 'common sense' for everyone, so it is followed without being forced.
Question
How does ideological power work?
Answer
By spreading ideas until they become 'common sense', accepted by consent rather than by force.
Question
How is ideological power different from soft power?
Answer
Soft power shapes what others want; ideological power goes deeper, shaping what they think is legitimate and normal.
Question
What is a narrative?
Answer
The story or framing that shapes how people understand events — a tool of ideological power.
Question
What was the 'end of history' idea?
Answer
The 1990s belief that liberal democracy had won as the final, best model for running a country.
Question
Why is post-Cold-War liberal democracy a good example?
Answer
It became the 'normal' model worldwide, giving its promoters huge influence — though it is now contested.
Question
Why does ideological power work by consent?
Answer
People accept a way of doing things because it feels right and natural, not because they are forced.
Question
What are the strengths of ideological power?
Answer
It shapes minds, makes dominance seem natural and legitimate, is cheap, and is self-reinforcing once it is 'common sense'.
Question
What are the limits of ideological power?
Answer
It can be resisted and contested, rival ideologies rise, and it is hollowed out when actions betray the ideals.
Question
Is ideological power permanent?
Answer
No — a dominant ideology can be challenged and replaced as new ideas rise and old ones lose their shine.
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Topic 1.3 hub
Power
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