I’ve not been dismissive of the power argument.

But the more I see of what underpins politics, and it’s at essence the highest level of communication.

It’s signaling status, credibility, threat, etc.

Nothing is done which isn’t a message or resource for future messages to achieve better negotiating outcomes.

So while earlier I saw it fundamentally about power, I now see that the mechanism of politics as the ultimate evolutionary form of communication.

I hope that shows how our points aren’t exactly in opposition.

Effective communicating is surely important to power plays. But you can communicate all you want, if your opponent has the guns and firepower and you don't.