01 - International Relations vs Global Politics

Q: What distinguishes International Relations (IR) from Global Politics (GP)?

IR traditionally focuses on interactions between states, while GP examines processes above, between, and throughout states involving non state actors.

Q: Why did IR expand beyond state to state interactions?

The rise of international organizations, NGOs, MNCs, and influential individuals required broader analysis beyond states.

Q: What is a key example of a non state actor influencing global politics?

Multinational corporations like Apple or Boeing, which shape economies, security, and even state decision making.

Q: Why do issues like pandemics and climate change require a global politics lens?

They transcend borders and cannot be addressed by a single state alone.

Q: What defines a state in IR?

A demarcated territory with a population, a governing political body, and recognition by other states.

Q: What is state sovereignty?

The monopoly on the legitimate use of force within a territory and freedom from external interference.

Q: What is the state system?

A system where states mutually recognize sovereignty and interact through international law and diplomacy.

Q: What does “anarchy” mean in IR?

The absence of a global authority enforcing rules; not chaos, but decentralized global governance.

Q: What is hegemony?

Dominance or leadership of one state over others, usually regionally.

Q: What is the security dilemma?

When one state’s attempt to increase security makes others feel threatened, prompting arms buildup.

Q: What is an international order?

Regularized patterns of interaction between states, often guided by international law.

Q: What are international regimes?

Sets of actors, institutions, and norms governing specific issue areas, like the NPT (nuclear non-proliferation treaty) or UNCLOS (UN convention on the law of the sea).

Q: What is multilateralism?

Coordination among three or more states based on shared principles.

Q: What triggers power transitions between states?

Declining powers lose influence until rising powers take over, often through war unless values align.

Q: What is globalization?

Increasing interconnectedness that shrinks time and space, making events in one region affect others.

Q: What were the major waves of globalization?

Age of discovery (1450–1850), European imperial expansion (1850–1945), contemporary globalization (1960–present), and possibly BRICS driven globalization.

Q: What event led to the emergence of modern sovereign states?

The Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648).

Q: What did the Treaty of Westphalia establish?

Sovereignty, territorial states, and the foundations of modern international law.

Q: What characterized modern European imperialism?

Industrialization, global trade dominance, colonialism, and unequal economic exchange.

Q: What was the Scramble for Africa?

The late 19th century division of Africa into colonies by seven European powers.

Q: What sparked World War I?

Colonial rivalries, Serbian nationalism, alliance conflicts, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Q: What was the significance of the Paris Peace Conference?

It produced the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations, aiming for collective security.

Q: What were key themes of Wilson’s Fourteen Points?

Open diplomacy, free navigation, free trade, reduced armaments, and self determination.

Q: What strengthened fascist and communist regimes during the Great Depression?

Mass unemployment, starvation, and disillusionment with capitalism.

Q: What caused World War II?

Harsh reparations on Germany, economic collapse, Hitler’s rise, Japanese expansion, and ideological conflict.

Q: What did WWII lead to globally?

Decline of European powers and rise of US and USSR as superpowers.

Q: What institutions formed the post WWII order?

The UN, IMF, World Bank, and GATT (later WTO).

Q: What defined the Cold War?

Bipolar rivalry between US and USSR, ideological conflict, proxy wars, and nuclear tension.

Q: What reforms contributed to the end of the Cold War?

Gorbachev’s Perestroika (restructuring) and Glasnost (openness).

Q: What is capitalism in IR terms?

Private ownership of production with limited state intervention.

Q: What is communism?

State ownership of production and exchange.

Q: What is socialism?

Mixed ownership with significant state involvement and more working class influence.

Q: What is the Group of 77 (G77)?

A coalition of newly independent states advocating for Global South interests and economic reform in the UN; advocated for a NIEO (new international economic order).

Q: What marked American hegemony after the Cold War?

A unipolar order supported by Western IGOs and neoliberal economic policies.

Q: What characterizes the EU as an IGO?

Deep political, economic, legal, and social integration with its own institutions and currency.

Q: How did 9/11 reshape US foreign policy?

It launched the War on Terror and invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Q: What caused the 2007/2008 financial crisis?

Irresponsible lending, sub prime mortgages, risky financial practices, and regulatory failures.

Q: What is BRICS?

A bloc of major non OECD economies—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa—focused on South South cooperation.

Q: What are the main theories in International Relations?

Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, Marxism, Feminism, and Postcolonialism.

Q: What is the core idea of Realism?

States act in their own self-interest to ensure survival in an anarchic international system.

Q: How does Liberalism differ from Realism?

Liberalism emphasizes cooperation, international institutions, and interdependence among states.

Q: What does Constructivism focus on?

The role of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping state behavior and the international system.

Q: What is Marxism’s perspective on global politics?

It views global politics as a struggle between economic classes and critiques capitalism.

Q: How does Feminism contribute to IR?

It highlights gendered power relations and the marginalization of women in global politics.

Q: What is Postcolonialism’s focus?

The impact of colonial history and power imbalances on contemporary global politics.

Q: What role do international organizations play in global governance?

They facilitate cooperation, set norms, and provide forums for dialogue among states and non-state actors.

Q: What is the difference between bilateral and multilateral diplomacy?

Bilateral diplomacy involves two states negotiating directly, while multilateral diplomacy involves multiple states.

Q: How do sanctions function in international relations?

They are tools used by states or international bodies to influence or punish other states’ behavior.

Q: What is the concept of soft power?

The ability to influence others through cultural appeal, values, and diplomacy rather than coercion.

Q: What is the difference between international law and domestic law?

International law governs relations between states, while domestic law governs within a state.

Q: What is the role of the United Nations?

To maintain international peace and security, promote human rights, and foster cooperation.

Q: How do non-governmental organizations (NGOs) impact global politics?

They advocate for issues, provide humanitarian aid, and influence policy at various levels.

Q: What is the significance of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT)?

It aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament.

Q: What challenges does climate change pose to global politics?

It requires international cooperation and affects security, economics, and migration.

Q: How do regional organizations differ from global ones?

Regional organizations focus on specific geographic areas, while global ones have worldwide membership.

Q: What is the role of diplomacy in conflict resolution?

Diplomacy seeks peaceful solutions through negotiation and dialogue.

Q: What is the impact of technology on global politics?

It changes communication, warfare, surveillance, and economic interactions.

Q: How do economic sanctions affect international relations?

They can pressure states to change behavior but may also harm civilian populations.

Q: What is the concept of humanitarian intervention?

The use of force by states or international bodies to prevent human rights abuses.

Q: How do cultural differences influence global politics?

They shape perceptions, alliances, and conflicts among states and peoples.