
Both sides have a point, but (…) whether one or another type of resource produces power in the sense of desired behavior depends upon the context. A carrot is more effective than a stick if you wish to lead a mule to water, but a gun may be more useful if your aim is to deprive an opponent of his mule.
NYE, Joseph Jr. The future of power, New York, PublicAffairs, 2011, p. 52.