The exercise of power through the process of persuasion is known as

Influence

Explanation:

The exercise of power by changing the person's attitude or behavior towards any event, object or idea by using written, spoken or visual tools, feelings or a combination thereof.

The exercise of this power is known as influence. It can be defined as dedication to change something under the effect of persuasion.

The result of influence can be positive or negative based on the type of influence.

you did not attach the discourse, but i assume it to be the discourse on the origin and basis of inequality among men (the original titile in french is: "discours sur l'origine et les fondements de l'inégalité parmi les hommes"), also know as "second discourse". in this discourse, jean-jacques rousseau emphasizes that private property is the basis of all inequalities.

therefore, what enabled the old regime to maintain as long as it did was private property.