№ 3 - 2011
Gallarotti G.M.
The Power Curse: the Paradox of Power in World Politics

While the augmentation of power carries obvious benefits for nations, the very process itself possesses inherent qualities that can weaken a nation. Hence, power can be as much of a curse as a blessing because of these weakening effects. To the extent that national leaders do not correct for these effects, they are destined to become victims of a power illusion – i.e., that in reality their nations will become weaker and more vulnerable then they perceive.