Global Politics Key Concepts: Power, Sovereignty, Actors & Institutions

Global Politics

The study and practice of political issues that cross national borders and affect people worldwide.

Power

The ability to influence or control the behavior of others and outcomes.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself without outside interference.

Legitimacy

The recognition and acceptance of a government's authority, often based on law, fairness, or popular support.

Interdependence

Mutual reliance between actors (e.g., states, organizations, individuals) for goods, services, security, or resources.

Framing

The way issues are presented and interpreted, shaping how people perceive and respond to them.

Actors

Any participants in global politics (states, organizations, individuals, etc.).

Stakeholders

Groups or individuals with an interest in or affected by political decisions.

The State

A political and legal entity with defined territory, population, government, and sovereignty.

Country

A geographical territory, sometimes used interchangeably with 'state,' but often less formal.

Nation

A group of people bound by common identity (language, culture, ethnicity, or history).

Nation-state

A sovereign state whose citizens largely share the same national identity.

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

Formal organizations made up of states working together on common issues (e.g., UN, NATO, WTO).

Informal Forums/Informal IGOs (IIGOs)

Loose groupings of states that cooperate without binding treaties (e.g., G7, G20).

Non-State Actors (NSAs)

Political actors not tied to a single government (NGOs, MNCs, terrorist groups).

Individuals

People who influence global politics through leadership, activism, or innovation.

Globalization

Increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and politics across borders.

Authoritarian Regime

A system where power is concentrated in a leader or small group, with limited freedoms.

Totalitarian State

An extreme form of authoritarianism where the government seeks total control over public and private life.

Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

Companies that operate in multiple countries (e.g., Apple, Shell).

Non-governmental Organization (NGOs)

Independent, nonprofit groups addressing issues like human rights, environment, or health (e.g., Amnesty International).

Transnational Advocacy Networks (TANs)

Coalitions across borders working for a cause (e.g., anti-landmine movement).

Social & Resistance Movements

Collective actions by people challenging authorities or social norms (e.g., Civil Rights Movement, Arab Spring).

Interest & Pressure Groups

Organized groups seeking to influence policy without seeking political office (e.g., lobbyists, unions).

Ethnonational Group

A group with shared ethnic identity seeking recognition or independence (e.g., Kurds, Basques).

Treaty/Multilateral Agreement

A formal, legally binding agreement between three or more states.

United Nations 'Organs'

Main bodies of the UN: General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), International Court of Justice (ICJ), Secretariat, Trusteeship Council.

General Assembly

All member states debate and vote on issues.

Security Council

Maintains peace and security; 5 permanent members with veto power.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Coordinates economic and social programs.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Settles legal disputes between states.

Secretariat

Administrative body led by the Secretary-General.

Trusteeship Council

Originally oversaw decolonization, now inactive.