The real power of a state comes not from its wealth or military might, but from the trust of its citizens.
The stability of a state is built on the trust of the governed, citizens' freedom, and the consent of the people.
Human civilization has searched for thousands of years for the answer to the question of where real power comes from. The answer has always been the same: The people.
Ultimately, power originates from the approval of the governed, regardless of the leader or system of government.
Author's summary: State power comes from citizens' trust.