Power analysis and power shifts

Despite widespread consensus that the international system is undergoing a significant shift in the distribution of power, there is significant debate around the extent and nature of those shifts, and how to measure them, and the implications for the strategies of rising and declining powers alike.  

This project clarifies the sources of empirical disagreement within the power shifts debate and evaluates strategic responses to power transition. This research underpins the development of multi-dimensional conceptual foundations and methodological tools to support rigorous programmes of power analysis and strategic net assessment.

Research outputs 

  • Kitchen, Nicholas (2026) 'National Power Analysis'. Prepared for Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
  • Kitchen, Nicholas (2026) 'Approaches to Measuring Power', UK OFFICIAL. Prepared for Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
  • Kitchen, Nicholas (2024)
  • Kitchen, Nicholas (2024)
  • Mallet, Ellis; Kitchen, Nicholas (2023)
  • Panos Vasileiadis (2022) ‘'
  • Kitchen, Nicholas (2021), 'Frameworks for Undertaking Strategic Net Assessment', UK OFFICIAL. Prepared for the UK Ministry of Defence supported by the Defence and Security Accelerator.
  • Kitchen, Nicholas (2021), 'Conceptual Foundations of Strategic Net Assessment', UK OFFICIAL. Prepared for the UK Ministry of Defence, supported by the Defence and Security Accelerator.
  • Kitchen, Nicholas (2020) '.'
  • Kitchen, Nicholas; Cox, Michael (2019) '.'
  • Kitchen, Nicholas; Quinn, Adam (2018) ''
  • Kitchen, Nicholas (2014) ''
  • Kitchen, Nicholas (2013) ''. 

Project Director

Nicholas Kitchen profile image

Dr Nicholas Kitchen

Associate Professor in International Relations; Executive Director, Centre for the Study of Global Power Competition (CGPC)