Shaping American Foreign Policy

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from a lecture on shaping American foreign policy, including international relations theory, the definition and elements of a state, and types of nationalism.

International Relations (IR)

The study of interactions among states, international organizations, and non-state actors in a global system.

Individual Level of Analysis in IR

Leaders and decision-making processes at the level of individual actors.

State Level of Analysis in IR

Domestic institutions, ideologies, and political systems at the level of the state.

International Level of Analysis in IR

Global structures, alliances, and institutions at the international level.

International Law & Human Rights

A frame for law in international relations.

Sovereign equality of States

The principle that all states are legally equal, as enshrined in the UN Charter.

State

A political entity governed by organized power that exercises sovereignty over a defined territory and population; the primary actor in IR.

State (Weber's Definition)

A community that successfully claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory.

Principles of the Westphalian system (1648)

Sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality of states, and non-interference in domestic affairs.

MONTEVIDEO CONVETION (1933)

A convention of the rights and duties of states.

People (Element of State)

The population living in a state under its jurisdiction (citizens, foreigners with the right of permanent residence).

Territory (Element of State)

The land, rivers, sea, and airspace under state jurisdiction.

Governance

Apparatus of power, capable of imposing and enforcing decisions.

Capacity for Foreign Relations

Acceptance by other countries and organizations and the ability to engage in diplomacy and enter treaties.

Sovereignty

Full power of self-governing without interference from outside sources.

Monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force

Forcing obedience of human individuals and social groups under state’s jurisdiction through courts, prosecution, police forces and army.

Internal Roles of State

Maintaining order and security, protection of property and health.

Economic Roles of State

Managing the economy, creating conditions for business development.

External Roles of State

Border protection, developing international relations, ensuring the flow of information.

Sovereign States

States with full power of self-governing.

Failed States

States where the government is unable to exercise effective control.

Hybrid Regimes

States based on some elements of democracy and authoritarianism.

Nation

historical, cultural community; group of people with a sense of common identity.

State

Political, organizational entity.

Nationalism

Political ideology and social movement that emphasizes the importance of a shared national identity, sovereignty, and self-governance.

Liberal Nationalism

Advocates democracy, self-determination, and civic unity (e.g., French Revolution).

Conservative Nationalism

Focuses on tradition, national pride, and stability (e.g., Thatcher’s Britain).

Expansionist Nationalism

Seeks territorial growth and power, often militaristic (e.g., Nazi Germany).

Anticolonial Nationalism

Fights for independence from colonial rule (e.g., Indian independence movement).