International Relations Midterm Study Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms, theories, and concepts in international relations as outlined in the midterm study guide.

International Relations

The study of the interactions between countries, including diplomacy, conflict, and international organizations.

Global Politics

The way international relations and global issues affect and are affected by political behavior and systems.

Globalization

The process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, economically and socially. EX: trade, culture, dialogue

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

Realism

Emphasizes the competitive and conflictual side of international politics. Struggle for power and who gets the top dawg “oh they have do this well? well im going to do better than you.“

Liberalism

Advocates for cooperation and diplomacy between states. EX: Nelson Mandela vibes

Constructivism

Focuses on the impact of ideas, identities, and norms on state behavior. **IDENTITY

Non-state actors

Individuals or organizations that have an influence on international relations but are not affiliated with any particular state. EX: NGOs

Nuclear deterrence

The idea that a country will deter an attack by possessing nuclear weapons and the means to retaliate.

Multilateralism

The practice of coordinating national policies in groups of three or more states. **CAR AUTOMOBILE

Unipolarity

An international system where one state holds a predominant position of power. **UNICYCLE

Bipolarity

An international system where two states hold the majority of the power. **BICYCLE

Multipolarity

An international system where multiple states hold significant power.

Ethics in International Relations

The study of moral principles as applied to international relations and decision-making.

International Law

A body of rules established by custom or treaty that is recognized as binding in relations between states.

Global governance

The way international affairs are managed globally, including through international organizations.

Images of suffering in IR

Visual representations that have the power to influence public perception and policy responses in international relations by evoking emotion and

Feminist foreign policy

An approach to foreign policy that emphasizes gender equality and the impact of gender on international relations. Focuses on equaling opportunities for men and women to interact with society

Norm entrepreneur

An individual or entity that seeks to promote a new norm or standard in international relations.

Cold War

A period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States and their respective allies after World War II.

Post-Cold War period

The time following the end of the Cold War characterized by the rise of US hegemony and various regional conflicts.

Human rights in foreign policy

The inclusion of human rights considerations in the development and implementation of a country's foreign policy.

Difference Between IR and Global Politics

International Relations focuses on state interactions while Global Politics encompasses broader issues, including non-state actors and global challenges.

ONE IS A MORE BROAD VERSION OF THE OTHER

what is the ‘nature‘ of the international system

It is considered an anarchic system, meaning there is no central world government to enforce rules, forcing sovereign states to act as the primary actors in a self-help, competitive environment. Key features include state sovereignty, reliance on power dynamics (military/economic), interdependence, and a blend of cooperation and conflict

types of globalization

political, economic and cultural

hegemony

the dominance of one state or group over others in the international system, often through military, economic, or cultural influence

reciprocity

mutual respect, if i don’t do this to you, you won’t do this to me A PART OF LIBERALISM

marxist approach

rich countries are taking advantage and resources from poor countries, based on more financial struggles ike the economy and capitalistic exploitation

state vs nation

A state is a political entity, and a nation is a group of people (The Kurds, or the French)

Are Koreans a nation?

This is a common debate because initially, right when they split, they were a

JAPAN

a really great example of both a nation and a state because they are not only a political entity but 99% of the same group of people

Peace of Westphalia

• Signed in 1648, was a series of treaties ending the Thirty Years' War in the Holy Roman Empire and the Eighty Years' War between Spain and the Dutch,

  • established the modern system of sovereign state

• It introduced the concept of

  • territorial sovereignty

  • reduced religious conflict's role in politics

  • laid the foundation for international law

Concert of Europe

promoting teamwork within larger nations, and created minor international institutions (treaties) BEGINING OF INTERNATIONAL ANARCHIC SYSTEM

WWI started when

1912 (but could be argued 1909)

WWI

France+Rusisa+Serbia VS Germany+Austria

I WANT LAND FOR MY PEOPLE AND WITH MY PEOPLE imperialism, nationalism, creating nation-states

neocolonialism

RUSSIA AND CHINA DURING WWI

• independently independent (conceptually and title-wise)

• depends on colonized states (african states taken over by france) for economic, cultural, and linguistic

fascist

an extreme, far-right, ultranationalist political ideology and movement that emerged in early 20th-century Europe

communist

**HATE COLONIALISM

political, economic, and social ideology aiming for a classless, stateless society based on common ownership of the means of production

fascist vs communist

______ is a far-right, ultranationalist system that preserves private property and class hierarchy, while _______ is a far-left system seeking a classless society, state ownership of all production, and internationalism

imperlialism

the policy or practice of a powerful state extending its authority over weaker territories through direct political control, economic exploitation, or military domination

NATO

nations work together in terms of military

European Union

Work together economically in Europe

United Nations

everyone, works together through policies