GLST 101: Introduction to Global Studies – Exam 2 Study Guide

A set of vocabulary flashcards created for students studying for their midterm exam in GLST 101, covering key terms and definitions related to global studies.

International Organization

An organization that operates across national borders and can include intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

Intergovernmental Organization (IGO)

An organization formed by multiple nations to work on issues of mutual concern, such as the United Nations.

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)

A non-profit organization that operates independently of government, often focusing on social, environmental, or humanitarian issues.

Human Security

A concept prioritizing the security of individuals and communities over state security, focusing on freedom from fear and want.

Sustainable Development

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

Nation

A group of people who share a common identity, culture, language, or history.

State

A defined territory with a government and sovereignty recognized by other states.

Nation-State

A political entity characterized by a coinciding nation and state, often with its own cultural identity.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state, can be internal or external.

European Union

A political and economic union of member states located primarily in Europe.

Schengen Area

A group of European countries that abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders.

Eurozone

A monetary union of European Union member states that have adopted the euro as their common currency.

Political Globalization

The spread and interconnectedness of political practices and policies across the globe.

Direct Violence

Physical harm inflicted by one individual or group onto another.

Structural Violence

Harm inflicted by social structures that limit individuals' rights and freedom.

Cultural Violence

Aspects of culture that can be used to justify or legitimize direct or structural violence.

Geopolitical Conflict

Conflicts driven by geographical, political, and economic factors between countries or regions.

Realism

A theoretical perspective in international relations that prioritizes national interest and state survival.

Hybrid War

A strategy of warfare that blends conventional warfare, irregular warfare, and cyber warfare.

Transboundary Environmental Issues

Environmental problems that cross national borders requiring cooperative management and solutions.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming of the Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases.

Water Pollution

The contamination of water bodies due to harmful substances, affecting aquatic ecosystems and human health.

Soil Degradation

The decline in soil quality caused by improper land use, leading to loss of arable land.

Desertification

The process where fertile land becomes desert as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.

Deforestation

The large-scale removal of forests, often leading to habitat loss and climate change.

Critical Minerals

Minerals that are essential for the economy, particularly in technology and renewable energy.

Renewable Energy

Energy generated from natural resources that are replenished constantly, such as solar or wind.

Clean Energy

Energy sources that produce little to no pollution, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Endemic Diseases

Diseases that are regularly found and consistently present in a particular geographic area.

Epidemic Diseases

Disease outbreaks that occur when infection spreads rapidly to many individuals in a short time.

Pandemic Diseases

Global outbreaks of infectious diseases affecting large numbers of people.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely.

Demographic Transition Theory

The model that describes the transition from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates as a country develops.

Positive Growth Rate

An increase in population size over a specified period.

Negative Growth Rate

A decline in population size over a specified period.

Zero Growth Rate

A stable population where the number of births plus immigrants equals the number of deaths plus emigrants.

Demographic Dividend

The economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population's age structure, primarily when the share of working-age people is larger than the non-working-age share.