Global Politics Unit 1 Exam

Power

The ability of an actor to influence others and control outcomes.

Hard Power

Forcing another actor through coercion, military force, or economic threats.

Soft Power

Influence others through persuasion, political values, and diplomatic legitimacy rather than coercion.

Smart Power

The strategic combination of hard power and soft power to achieve foreign policy goals effectively.

Structural Power

The ability to shape, determine, and control the global frameworks, rules, and institutions within which all other actors operate.

Relational Power

The capacity of Actor A to use its resources to get Actor B to do something Actor B would not otherwise choose to do.

Economic Power

Leverage from control over wealth, consumer markets, or the ability to impose sanctions.

Social & Cultural Power

Influence based on the global spread and appeal of an actor's societal norms and values.

Distribution of Power: Unipolar

A single hegemon possesses significantly more power and influence than any other state.

Distribution of Power: Bipolar

Divided primarily between two roughly equal states

Distribution of Power: Multipolar

Three or more major states hold significant influence and must balance one another

Liberalism

An IR theory arguing that cooperation between states is beneficial and leads to interdependence and peace; emphasizes collective gains, human rights, democracy, free trade, and international law.

Realism

An IR theory arguing that sovereign states dominate global politics, act in their own self-interest, and compete for power and relative gains in an anarchic world where international politics is viewed as a zero-sum game.

Structural vs. Classical Realism

Classical Realism roots state power-seeking in human nature, whereas Structural Realism roots it in international anarchy and self-help.

Offensive Realism

argues that states should pursue as much power as possible and strive for regional hegemony because security is never guaranteed.

Constructivism

An IR theory asserting that international relations are shaped by shared ideas, norms, and identities rather than material power alone.

Multilateralism vs. Unilateralism

Multilateralism is collective action among three or more states through institutions; unilateralism is a state acting independently without international consensus.

Isolationism vs. Engagement

Isolationism avoids foreign alliances and conflicts, whereas engagement actively pursues diplomacy, alliances, and global aid.

Economic Sanctions

Financial or trade penalties imposed by one or more states against a targeted nation, group, or person to compel a change in policy or conduct.

Types of Sanctions: Targeted vs. Sweeping

Targeted sanctions focus on specific individuals or entities to minimize civilian harm, whereas sweeping sanctions broadly restrict an entire national economy.

Nuclear Nonproliferation

International policies and treaties designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote nuclear disarmament.

The NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty, 1968)

1. Non-nuclear states agree not to acquire nuclear arms

2. P5 recognized nuclear states commit to pursuing disarmament

3. Peaceful use of civilian nuclear technology.

Interdependence

The idea that states are connected to each other and that what happens in one state can directly affect others.

Complex Interdependence

1. Connections happen through businesses and ordinary citizens, not just politicians

2. Trade, climate, and human rights are just as important as military defense

3. military threats are much less effective because war hurts both sides economically.

Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)

Independent non-profit organizations operating without government control to address humanitarian, social, or environmental causes.

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

Formal institutions established by multilateral treaties between sovereign states to manage shared challenges.

Sovereignty

The supreme, exclusive political and legal authority of a state to exercise control over what happens inside its borders without external interference.

Internal Sovereignty

The supreme, undisputed authority and practical capacity of a government over all domestic affairs inside its borders, including lawmaking, tax collection, and maintaining order.

External Sovereignty

The recognition of a state's independent status by other sovereign states, granting it equality under international law and legal protection against foreign intervention.

4 Characteristics of a Sovereign State

1. A permanent population

2. A defined territory and borders

3. Effective governance

4. The capacity and legitimacy to enter into relations with other states.

Legitimacy

The widespread belief and acceptance that an actor, institution, or government has the legal or moral right to exercise authority.

Input, Process, and Output Legitimacy

Input Legitimacy: based on citizen participation and democratic consent

Process Legitimacy: based on following fair and transparent legal procedures

Output Legitimacy: based on delivering effective results like security, economic stability, and public services

Bottom-Up and Top-Down Legitimacy

Bottom-Up Legitimacy: From the elections and civic participation of everyday citizens

Top-Down Legitimacy: Asserted from above by ruling elites, decrees, royal lineage, or formal state authority.