Coercion is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, shaping behaviors, relationships, and power dynamics across societies. It is the act of compelling someone to act against their will through force, threats, or pressure. Unlike persuasion, which relies on voluntary agreement, coercion removes choice, leaving individuals with little alternative but to comply. It exists in various forms, from physical force and legal mandates to psychological and social pressures. While coercion is often viewed negatively, it is also a tool that governments, organizations, and individuals use to maintain order, enforce rules, and achieve strategic goals. Understanding the nature of coercion requires exploring its mechanisms, ethical dilemmas, and long-term effects.

At its core, coercion operates through a power imbalance. The coercer holds leverage over the coerced, whether through control of resources, authority, or the ability to inflict harm. This power can be direct, as in military force or legal penalties, or indirect, such as emotional manipulation or financial dependency. In many cases, coercion is subtle, embedded within societal norms and expectations. A person may comply not because they are explicitly threatened but because the consequences of refusal—ostracization, loss of opportunities, or economic hardship—are too great to bear. This makes coercion a pervasive force, influencing decisions in ways that may not always be immediately apparent.