Which term describes influence exerted through military force or economic sanctions?

• A. Justify
• B. Hard Power
• C. Incentive
• D. Infrastructure

Answer: (B)

Influence through military force or economic sanctions is described as hard power. In international relations, hard power relies on coercion—using or threatening force to compel others to act in a certain way—and on economic tools like sanctions, trade blocks, or other penalties to pressure a state. It’s about producing results through pressure rather than persuasion.

The other terms don’t fit this idea. Justify is about giving reasons or rationale, not a method of exerting influence. An incentive refers to a reward or inducement to encourage a desired action, which is not the same as coercive force or sanctions. Infrastructure means the physical systems and facilities that support a country’s functioning, not a strategy for influencing others.