Global Politics I

Legitimacy

Refers to an actor or an action that is commonly considered acceptable to a population. It provides the fundamental rationale for governance and the exercise of power.

Democratic Legitimacy

The contemporary form of legitimacy where the governed have defined, periodic opportunities to choose their leaders, often through democracy or constitutionalism.

State Actions and Legitimacy

Individual state actions can vary in legitimacy. This is judged by the acceptance or recognition given by others.

Sources of Legitimacy

Includes history and tradition, ideology, leadership, growth and development, international recognition, freedom and fairness, order and stability, and the rule of law.

Power

The ability to effect change and influence relationships among people within social organizations.

Globalization and Power

The dynamics of power are crucial in understanding global politics, especially in a globalized era.

Sovereignty

The independence of a state, including control over territory and the ability to govern itself.

Globalization and Sovereignty

Some theorists argue globalization erodes sovereignty, while others believe states maintain significant power.

Interdependence

Refers to mutual reliance among entities like states in areas such as economics, security, and sustainability.

Globalization and Interdependence

Globalization has intensified interdependence and altered power dynamics among global political actors.

Political Issue

Any situation involving the distribution and operation of power within social organizations, affecting lives, communities, and the world.

Scales of Analysis

Refers to the scope of political issues: Individual, Community, Local, National, Regional, International, Global.

Actors

Those who exercise power related to a political issue.

Stakeholders

Those impacted by a political issue.

Hard Power

The use of threats, coercion, or payments to influence others.

Soft Power

The ability to influence outcomes based on attraction rather than coercion or payments.

Smart Power

A mix of hard and soft power, combining military and economic strength with diplomacy.

Sharp Power

The use of money and propaganda to manipulate perceptions, often seen in authoritarian regimes.

State

A political association with sovereign jurisdiction within defined territorial borders.

Sovereignty

A state's absolute and unlimited power over its internal and external affairs.

Internal Sovereignty

A state's authority over what happens within its borders.

External Sovereignty

A state's independence and recognition by other states.

Traditional Sovereignty

Absolute control over internal and external affairs.

Popular Sovereignty

Sovereignty derived from popular consent.

Pooled Sovereignty

Shared sovereignty for mutual benefits (e.g., the EU).

Responsible Sovereignty

States are accountable to citizens; international community intervenes if this is neglected.

Legitimacy by Max Weber

Divided into Traditional, Charismatic, and Rational

Traditional Legitimacy

Based on historical customs and continuity (e.g., monarchies).

Charismatic Legitimacy

Based on the leader’s charisma and ideas.

Rational

legal Legitimacy

Statehood Theories

Constitutive theory: Statehood depends on recognition by other states. Declarative theory: Statehood requires territory, population, government, and capacity for foreign relations, regardless of recognition.

Democracy

Political power exercised through participation, competition, and respect for freedoms.

Types of Democracy

Includes Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi

Non

Democratic Regimes

Types of Non

Democratic Regimes

International Organizations

Entities created by states to promote cooperation (e.g., UN).

United Nations (UN)

Focuses on security, human rights, development, and climate action.

Main UN Bodies

General Assembly, Security Council, ECOSOC, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, Secretariat.