Power

Power in Global Politics

The ability to influence others to achieve desired goals in political, military, or social contexts.

State Actors

Recognized sovereign entities such as countries and their government agencies.

Non-State Actors

Entities influencing politics that are not official states, such as multinational corporations.

Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)

Non-profit groups that influence politics, e.g., Amnesty International, Red Cross.

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

Organizations formed by states to collaborate on issues, like the UN or NATO.

Hard Power

Achieving aims through coercion or force.

Soft Power

Achieving aims through persuasion or influence without coercion.

Smart Power

A combination of hard and soft power to achieve desired outcomes.

Military Power

The capability based on the size, technology, and effectiveness of armed forces.

Economic Power

Measured by GDP and economic growth; can be used as hard power through sanctions.

Structural Power

The power to influence global political ideas and systems.

Relational Power

Power exercised through relationships with other states.

Social and Cultural Power

The ability to export culture globally through brands and media.

Cyber Power

Power exercised through the internet and digital platforms, including cyber attacks.

Unipolar Power Distribution

A global power structure where one state is dominant.

Bipolar Power Distribution

A structure with two dominant powers, such as during the Cold War.

Multipolar Power Distribution

A structure with multiple influential powers.

Neo-Marxism

A theory focusing on the global class conflict shaped by capitalism and imperialism.

Dependency Theory

The idea that wealthy states maintain dominance over poorer states through economic practices.

Post-colonialism

The study of the ongoing effects of colonialism and the dominance of Western discourse in global politics.

Feminism in Global Politics

A critique of traditional theories emphasizing the exclusion of women and patriarchal structures.

Constructivism

A theory asserting that social constructions significantly shape global politics.

Liberalism

A perspective emphasizing cooperation, democracy, and international law in global politics.

Realism

A theory that views international relations as anarchic, focusing on power and state interests.

Sovereignty

The supreme authority over a territory, including internal and external recognition.

Internal Sovereignty

A state's authority within its own borders.

External Sovereignty

Recognition of a state by other states.