Definition of "counterpower"

In the hands of the few power can be called oppression, repression, exploitation or authoritarianism. Meanwhile movements for freedom, emancipation, liberation, human rights and democracy have a common idea at their heart. That idea is Counterpower.

2011, Tim Gee, Counterpower, page 17

A fifth step must be taken if the project of empire is to be defeated — namely, the emergence of effective counterpowers within the world community, able to balance the superpower of the United States...

2005, Christian Barry, Thomas Winfried Menko Pogge, Global institutions and responsibilities: achieving global justice, page 182