POLSC 1400-01: Study Guide for Test 1

Realism

A theory in international relations that emphasizes national security and hegemony as primary interests.

Liberalism

A theory that advocates for cooperation and democracy among international institutions.

Constructivism

A theory that focuses on the role of social constructs and identities in shaping state behavior and international relations.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing international trade to enhance national power and wealth.

Peace of Westphalia

A series of treaties that ended the Thirty Years' War in 1648, establishing state sovereignty and non-interference.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state, recognized as a fundamental principle in international law.

Hegemony

A dominant influence or authority of one state or group over others in international relations.

Pax Britannica

A period of relative peace during the 19th century marked by the British Empire's dominance.

Interests

The various economic, political, and social goals that states pursue in the international arena.

Actors

Individuals or groups that influence international relations, including states, organizations, and institutions.

State

The primary political entity in international relations, characterized by defined territory and governance.

Anarchy

The absence of a central authority in the international system, leading to competition among states.

National Interests

The goals and objectives guiding a state's foreign policy.

Interactions

The ways in which states engage with one another through diplomacy, trade, and military actions.

Cooperation

The process by which states work together to achieve common goals through treaties and alliances.

Bargaining

The negotiation process where states seek agreements or compromises, often involving trade-offs.

Coordination

The systematic alignment of actions among states to achieve mutual objectives.

Collaboration

The act of working jointly with others to achieve shared goals.

Public Goods

Goods that are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, available for all without reducing availability.

Collective Action Problems

Situations where coordinating efforts to achieve a common goal becomes challenging.

Free Ride

Benefiting from resources without contributing to the cost involved in their provision.

Iteration

The process of repeating actions to gradually reach a desired outcome.

Linkage

Establishing connections between different issues to facilitate cooperation.

Coercion

Compelling individuals to act in a certain way through threats or force.

Institutions

Sets of rules that structure interactions within a relevant community.

War

An event involving organized military force by at least two parties reaching a minimum severity.

Interstate War

A war in which the main participants are states.

Civil War

A war involving main participants within the same state.

Bargaining Range

The set of deals preferable to both parties compared to the outcome of war.

Prisoner’s Dilemma

A scenario in game theory where individuals must choose between cooperation and competition, often leading to suboptimal outcomes.