LAIS 344 A: International Relations Spring 2019

These flashcards cover key concepts in International Relations, including key theories, organizations, historical contexts, and important figures.

Post-Cold War Era

The period characterized by the global political landscape following the end of the Cold War, marked by changes in international relations dynamics.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

A milestone document adopted by the United Nations in 1948, outlining the inalienable rights every human is entitled to.

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

Entities created by treaty, composed of member states, which aim to promote cooperation and coordination on specific issues.

Functionalism in IGO Theory

A theory suggesting that IGOs form to address specific problems and promote cooperation among states in areas of mutual interest.

International Criminal Court (ICC) vs. International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The ICC prosecutes individuals for international crimes, while the ICJ settles disputes between states according to international law.

Jean Monnet

A prominent French political economist whose ideas contributed to the development of European integration; concerned about nationalism's impact on cooperation.

Father of International Law

Hugo Grotius, known for laying the foundation for modern international law.

Westphalian System

The system established by the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, which emphasizes state sovereignty and non-interference in the affairs of other states.

Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)

Organizations independent of government influence, which advocate for various social, environmental, and political causes.

Green Belt Movement

A Kenyan grassroots organization focused on environmental conservation and women's rights, founded by Wangari Maathai.

Realists and Marxists on NGOs

Both schools are skeptical of NGOs' effectiveness, viewing them as influenced by state agendas or capitalism that undermines genuine social change.

Total War vs. Limited War

Total war involves complete mobilization of resources and is aimed at the enemy's total defeat, whereas limited war seeks specific political objectives.

Classical Marxist Tradition

The school emphasizing economic factors and class struggles as key motivators for political and social change in international relations.

Washington Consensus vs. Beijing Consensus

The Washington Consensus promotes free-market principles and liberal democracy, while the Beijing Consensus focuses on state-led growth and stability.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Loan Strategies

Programs evolving from short-term lending to longer-term development strategies to stabilize economies.

Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

Companies that operate in multiple countries, often viewed by radicals as influential and potentially harmful to local economies.

Human Rights as Relatively Universal

Jack Donnelly's assertion that while human rights standards may not be practiced universally, the principles are globally recognized.

Responsibility to Protect (R2P)

An international norm that holds states accountable for protecting populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.

Social and Economic Rights

Rights that relate directly to the economy and social well-being, such as the right to work, education, and an adequate standard of living.

Civil and Political Rights

Rights that protect individual freedoms and political participation, such as the right to free speech and fair trial.

Sustainable Development

An approach to development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Economic Globalization

The integration of economies globally through trade, investments, and the flow of capital, affecting all nations economically.

Just War Tradition

A doctrine of military ethics that discusses the moral implications and justification for going to war and how to conduct warfare ethically.

Power Transition Theory

A theory suggesting that conflicts are likely to occur when a challenger state is on the rise and approaching the power of a dominant state.

Democratic Peace Concept

The political theory that democracies are less likely to engage in war with one another.

Self-determination

The principle that nations have the right to determine their own political status without external interference.

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)

An agreement reached in 2015 between Iran and major world powers regarding Iran's nuclear program, aiming to prevent nuclear weapon development.