The RC 36 Political Power Group was recognized as a study group in 1983. It was granted research committee status in IPSA in 1991. It is also recognized by APSA as an affiliate research group.
The power group focuses on all dimensions of political power: conceptual analysis, political power structures (the constitution of power), power in configurations/policy networks, forms and resources of power, measuring power, and understanding the impact of globalisation and internationalisation of political, economic and administrative phenomena upon the nature of power.
Members represent many analytical perspectives and research traditions, including the following: sociological theory, analytical political theory, postmodern perspectives, empirical case studies, international relations, feminist analysis, and comparative research.