Abstract

Niklas Luhmann is particularly known for his sociological systems theory. He is less well known as a power theorist. In the early works “Macht im System” (1969) and “Macht” (1975), he presents a comprehensive understanding of power that deviates considerably from prevailing concepts. For Luhmann, power is not an ability or a human quality. For him, power is part of the communication process and a central aspect of his early systems theory as a communication medium. For a better understanding, Luhmann’s concept of power is first classified into systems theory. Then, the essential premises of Luhmann’s understanding of power are worked out. Finally, the paper discusses some aspects of Luhmann’s concept of power and places them in a larger context.