The Problems of Measuring Power in Europe

Abstract

This paper compares alternative methods of measuring power in European institutions. On the one hand there is the index used by Johnston in recent articles in this Journal; on the other there is an index more typically used by political scientists. Problems of interpreting and applying each index are discussed. The conclusion is that the Shapley–Shubik power index, used by political scientists, is easier to interpret in terms of the dynamics of bargaining. The Johnston index (which is certainly easier to calculate) might function as an ad hoc empirical measure, but needs therefore to be tested.