Power asymmetry

The concept of power asymmetry pervades various aspects of society, manifesting in relationships between employers and employees, consumers and corporations, students and educational systems, and across the international stage among states.

These imbalances often lead to disparities in negotiations, rights, opportunities, and outcomes for the less powerful parties involved.

However, the advent of generative AI holds the potential to democratise access to information, resources, and platforms, potentially reducing these power asymmetries.

By providing all individuals and entities with advanced tools for knowledge generation, decision-making support, and enhanced communication capabilities, generative AI should be able to level the playing field.

Academic Work on Power Asymmetry

"Power and Interdependence" by Robert O. Keohane and Joseph S. Nye

This seminal work in international relations theory discusses how states and actors manoeuvre in a world where power is distributed unevenly. It introduces concepts like soft power and complex interdependence.

"Negotiating Power: Agenda Setting and the Asymmetry of Influence" by Deborah M. Kolb and Judith Williams

This study in the context of negotiations explores how power asymmetries affect the setting of agendas and outcomes in negotiation processes.

"Power in Organizational Societies" by Michael Mann

Mann's work delves into the role of power in social and organisational structures, discussing its sources and effects on societal dynamics.

"The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence" by Dacher Keltner

This book explores how power is acquired, how it can corrupt, and how it influences social behavior. It provides insights into the psychological aspects of power dynamics.

"The Bases of Social Power" by John R.P. French and Bertram Raven

This foundational study in social psychology categorizes different bases of power, such as coercive, reward, legitimate, referent, and expert power. It's widely referenced in understanding power dynamics in various contexts.