psc exam 2

International Relations (IR)

The relations between different actors in the world, their characteristics, and consequences.

State Actor

A territorial entity controlled by a government, exercising sovereignty over its territory.

Non-State Actor

Groups and interests within states that influence the state’s foreign policy.

Nation

A group of people who share a sense of national identity, often based on language, culture, or history.

Transnational Actor

Actors that operate below the state level and across state borders, such as multinational corporations and NGOs.

Nation-State

A state consisting of one predominant nation.

Peace of Westphalia (1648)

A treaty that ended the Thirty Years' War, codified the principle of sovereignty, and established nation-states.

Realism

The oldest theory in international relations, emphasizing power and the anarchic structure of international politics.

Security Dilemma

A situation in which the actions taken by a state to ensure its own security threaten the security of other states.

Balance of Power System

A key feature of the Westphalian system where no state is allowed to become too powerful, leading to shifting alliances.

Collective Security

A principle where an attack against one nation is considered an attack against all nations, as exemplified by the League of Nations.

Normative Theory

A type of theory that establishes goals and examines moral and ethical concerns about how the world should work.

Constructivism

An approach focusing on social factors in international relations, emphasizing interests, identities, and norms.

Thucydides’ Theory

A theory stating that international politics is determined by the distribution of power and is beyond morality.

Age of Empire

The period in history where empires emerged as technological advancements allowed for political organization over large areas.

Isolationism

A policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, particularly the political affairs of other countries.

Fascism

An extreme, militant form of nationalism that combines authoritarian political structures, economic centralization, and ethnocentrism.

Anarchy

The absence of a higher political authority, characteristic of the international system.

Hegemon

A leading state that has dominant influence or control over others in the international system.

Empires

Political entities that extended their control over large territories and diverse populations throughout history.

Nuclear Arms Race

A competitive buildup of nuclear arsenals by various nations, particularly during the Cold War.

Economic Nationalism

An economic policy that emphasizes domestic control of the economy, labor, and capital formation.

Interwar Period

The timeframe between World War I and World War II, marked by the rise of totalitarian regimes and collective security failures.