Interdependence and Power: A Conceptual Analysis

ion. It is not illogical to advocate that a clearly defined generic concept of power (or dependence) be used to develop lowand/or medium-level generalizations rather than highly abstract ones.'7 In short, there is a difference between defining a concept and applying it. The concept of dependence: 1568-1968 Conventional usage is a basic reference point for evaluating scientific concepts according to Malthus, Machlup, and Oppenheim. In explicating the concept of dependence, the single most important question concerns conventional usage. Both the everyday usage by laymen and traditional scholarly usage will be examined. Since international and transnational dependence is of particular interest to the writer and likely readers of this essay, particular attention will be devoted to usage in the context of world affairs.