Hard power is the use of military force or economic sanctions to influence or compel another nation to act in a certain way. It contrasts with soft power, which relies on attraction and cultural influence. Hard power is often employed when diplomatic efforts fail or when a state seeks to protect its national interests more directly.

Examples include the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 or economic sanctions imposed on countries like Iran or North Korea to curb nuclear development. While effective in some situations, excessive reliance on hard power can lead to prolonged conflicts and diminish a country’s global standing.