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Too often power is not only mishandled, it is misunderstood. The powerless believe the myths generated by the powerful: that their lack of power is due to their own deficiencies, that the powerful have achieved success because they work harder, or are smarter. The powerful also believe their own creation narratives, imagining that because they have power now, they will always have it, or because they have power, they are deserving of it.

Much of the literature on power tends to perpetuate these misconceptions, as books either focus on specific arenas of power, be that economic, military or political, or on the power of personality and how an individual can influence others, examining power solely through the lens of psychology. Indeed, understanding the power of the individual is important, but it does not describe what power actually is and how it works.

Using original case studies and historical and current day examples, The Truth About Power will provide a definitive answer to an essential question: what is power? Whether we are talking about economics, gender, sexuality, or statehood, the laws of power are immutable, and this book will help anyone, especially those not born with wealth, privilege, or a strong personality, to understand them. With this book, readers will finally be able to understand that whoever they are, they have power.