Advances in our understanding of the concept of power in international relations have been distant from the concerns of practically-minded researchers, especially those working on issues of traditional realist high politics. The study of how arms transfer relationships are used as a tool of statecraft is an example. Examining American and Soviet relations with arms transfer clients, one can distinguish three different dimensions of influence sought by patron states: bargaining power, structural power, and hegemonic power. The existing literature deals inadequately with these analytic distinctions. Since the goals pursued by states through arms transfer relationships cover all three types of influence, a more nuanced understanding of influence will advance the arms transfers literature.