We offer a theory and measure for determining powerful nodal positions based on potential
inter-actor control in “politically charged” networks, which contain both allies and
adversaries. Power is derived from actors that are dependent on the focal actor and
sociometrically weak, either due to a lack of alternative allies or from being threatened by
others. We create a new Political Independence Index (PII), compare it to other established
measures, and illustrate its use in the setting of an international network of alliances and …