Structural power emphasizes various forms in which power is embedded in socio-economic, and political structures. It recognizes that power relations are not just determined by individual actors but are also shaped by broader social and institutional arrangements [8]. Structural power can manifest through disparities in access to resources, such as wealth, education, or information, which can perpetuate inequalities between different groups [9]. As a result, by altering the structures or the environment, respectively, one can change the positions of the actors. It is no accident that behavioristic approaches' conceptions of power ignore the manipulation of an actor's available extra options by outside parties and capabilities [10].

Discursive power focuses on the ways in which power operates through language, discourse, and knowledge production [11]. It recognizes that while power can be expressed bydirectly control others, it can also shapen narratives, construct meanings, and influence public opinion. Discursive power can shape development discourses, policy narratives, and the ways in which certain issues are framed, thereby influencing the priorities and approaches adopted in development initiatives [12].

Political power refers to the ability to influence or control decision-making processes and policies. It includes formal political authority held by governments and policymakers as well as informal sources of power that may exist within societies, such as influential elites or interest groups [13]. Political power can shape development outcomes by determining the allocation of resources, setting development agendas, and shaping policy priorities. Furthermore, in the levels of political power discourse by [7], she talked about different categories such as ‘visible power, hidden power, and invisible power.’ Visible power is the power that is being used openly and visibly within political structures and procedures. It involves the authority and influence that people or organisations exercise in the political sphere such as through electoral process [14] .

On the other hand, invisible political power is the power that exists within social and political systems but is not readily evident to the average citizen. It analyzes the ways in which power is institutionalized in routines, beliefs, and ideologies. Michel Foucault popularised this idea in his research on the effects of discipline, surveillance, and the production of knowledge on the exercise of authority [15]. Furthermore, political power that is “hidden,” is referred to influence that is exercised in secret and kept out of the public eye on purpose. It is the exercise of authority through unofficial channels, in which decisions are made in the shadows and the workings of government are not transparent. Authors like C. Wright Mills, who studied the influence of the wealthy and powerful on governments and economies, delve deeply into this idea [16].

This perspective recognizes that power can be contested and resisted by marginalized or disadvantaged groups. It emphasizes the agency of individuals and communities in challenging and transforming power relations [17]. Power as resistance highlights grassroots movements, social mobilization, and collective action as means through which underrated people can advocate for their rights and confront existing power systems. This perspective highlights the role of grassroots movements, social mobilization, and collective action in challenging power imbalances and promoting social change [18].

2.1.5|Power in global relations.

Development studies also examines power dynamics in the context of global relations. It explores how power is exercised by dominant countries or international institutions and how this influences development outcomes in less powerful nations. It further emphasizes the asymmetrical power relationships in international development and the need to address global power imbalances. The concept of neocolonialism, for example, examines how historical power imbalances continue to shape the economic and political relationships between developed and developing countries [4].

While thinking about power-over expression of power, it is seen as a win-lose game where the only way to win is by preventing others from winning and establishing dominance, and this is mostly negative, as is the case in most repressive governments and military dictatorships, where they deploy brute force and unleash mayhem on their people, denying them access to basic amenities and social welfare, which invariably exacerbates poverty [7]. While democratic power is the best alternative here, it is clear that groups of people that have been victims of “power over” can become even more repressive when the tables turn and they are made to take on leadership positions [19].

This is a more collaborative expression of power. It has shown effective as an empowering expression of power. It emphasise partnership for transformation and shared benefits. It also encourages mutuality and the power of a group in providing lasting solutions to social challenges. According to [20], he associates leadership with enforcing consensus and working towards shared goals however this idea discounts the existence of power over which is largely a coercive, exploitative, and manipulative phenomenon. Argues for power with when she said, ‘[power] far from being the means to an end, is actually the very condition enabling a group of people to think and act in terms of the means-end category’ [21].

Power to is an individualistic concept that emphasises the power of individuals to contribute to positive changes in their society. It can quickly transform into power with expression when there is mutual trust and respect. Robert Thinks that the measure of power in social engagements is to identify who wins in making decisions.

The ability to respect oneself and others while appreciating and valuing one's own individuality is fundamental to a sense of inner power. Power within once unlocked mostly by reflection, can help people understand their power to and power with which they can spur positive action that can bring about meaningful change in one's environment.