Overview of Key Concepts in International Law and Political Science

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts from International Law and Political Science as discussed in the lecture notes.

Explain three key characteristics that distinguish international law from domestic law.

Three key characteristics distinguishing international law from domestic law are that it lacks centralised legislative, executive, and judicial authority, it exists in a sovereign state system, making enforcement complex, and it faces a key debate on whether it is truly 'law' due to the lack of traditional elements like legislative power and enforcing authority.

Who are the primary subjects of international law, and what other entities are recognised as subjects?

The primary subjects of international law are states. Other recognised subjects include individuals (e.g., in the context of human rights and war crimes) and international organisations (e.g., the UN, ICC).

Explain three key characteristics that distinguish international law from domestic law.

Three key characteristics distinguishing international law from domestic law are that it lacks centralised legislative, executive, and judicial authority, it exists in a sovereign state system, making enforcement complex, and it faces a key debate on whether it is truly 'law' due to the lack of traditional elements like legislative power and enforcing authority.

Who are the primary subjects of international law, and what other entities are recognised as subjects?

The primary subjects of international law are states. Other recognised subjects include individuals (e.g., in the context of human rights and war crimes) and international organisations (e.g., the UN, ICC).

Outline the criteria for statehood as defined by the Montevideo Convention.

The criteria for statehood according to the Montevideo Convention are: a permanent population, a defined territory, an effective government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states (which is highly subjective).

Distinguish between the primary and other sources of international law, providing an example of each.

Primary sources of international law include treaties, which are binding only on consenting states, customary law, based on state practice and a belief in legal obligation (opinio juris), and UN Security Council Resolutions, which are binding under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Other sources include UN General Assembly Resolutions, which are non-binding but influential, case law (judicial decisions), and UN International Law Commission Articles, which are non-binding but may reflect customary law.

What is the difference between a 'source' and a 'norm' in international law? Provide an example of each.

A source in international law refers to how a rule becomes law (e.g., through a treaty or custom), while a norm is the substantive rule itself (e.g., 'do not torture').

Define peremptory norms (ius cogens) and give three examples. What is their significance in the hierarchy of international norms?

Peremptory norms (ius cogens) are fundamental rules of international law that cannot be breached and override state consent. Examples include genocide, torture, and slavery. They are at the highest level of the hierarchy of international norms.

Describe the two core conditions for establishing state responsibility in international law.

The two core conditions for establishing state responsibility in international law are a wrongful act or omission that violates international law and attribution of that act or omission to the state (which must be proven).

Name three circumstances that might preclude the wrongfulness of a state's act.

Three circumstances that might preclude the wrongfulness of a state's act are consent, self-defence, and countermeasures.

Explain two ways in which the International Court of Justice (ICJ) can gain jurisdiction over a state.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) can gain jurisdiction over a state through a compromis, which is an agreement for a specific case, or through a compromissory clause in a treaty that allows for ICJ jurisdiction. Additionally, a state can accept jurisdiction through an optional clause (an advance declaration) or through forum prorogatum (implicitly accepting jurisdiction by appearing in court).

List three methods of alternative dispute resolution in international law.

Three methods of alternative dispute resolution in international law are negotiations, mediation, and good offices. Other methods include fact-finding, conciliation, and arbitration.

What is the fundamental difference between Economic History and the History of Economics?

The fundamental difference between Economic History is that it studies institutions, society, and economic systems over time, whereas the History of Economics studies the evolution of economic ideas, theories, and debates.

Describe two reasons why studying the History of Economics is considered important.

Two reasons why studying the History of Economics is considered important are that it broadens intellectual perspectives by engaging with past multidisciplinary economists and provides historical context that helps understand recurring ideas in economic thought. It also encourages pluralism & critical thinking.

Explain Adam Smith's key contribution regarding the 'specialization & division of labour' and one potential limitation he foresaw.

Adam Smith's key contribution was the concept of specialization & division of labour, which he believed led to more innovation and efficiency. One potential limitation he foresaw was potential cultural limits, suggesting too much specialization might lead to vulnerability.

Outline David Ricardo's main idea concerning 'resource constraints & economic limits'. How does this connect to modern environmental policies like emissions trading?

David Ricardo's main idea concerned resource constraints & economic limits, foreseeing diminishing returns in land productivity and the slowing of economic growth over time due to natural resource limitations. This connects to modern environmental policies like emissions trading, which creates financial incentives to reduce pollution, although it has been criticised for potentially allowing large companies to buy permits and disadvantage smaller competitors.

Identify two historically overlooked contributions in economics and explain why they are significant.

Two historically overlooked contributions in economics are the work of women in economics on topics like the household economy, care work, and economic discrimination, and the concept of invisible work & 'segregated pluralism'. These are significant because they highlight gaps and biases in mainstream economic theories.

Mention one key challenge faced when studying the History of Economics.

One key challenge faced when studying the History of Economics is the heavy reading load, which requires engagement with historical texts and primary sources. Another is the difficulties in writing current history as economic thought is always evolving.

Besides peacekeeping, name three other ways in which the UN maintains international peace and security.

conflict prevention, peacemaking, and peace enforcement. Peacebuilding is another key activity.

Describe three key roles of peacekeepers in conflict situations.

Three key roles of peacekeepers in conflict situations are to prevent violence against civilians, prevent conflict escalation by reducing uncertainty & fear, and to foster credible commitments between warring parties.

According to the UN Secretary-General's Policy Committee (2007), what is the definition of peacebuilding?

strengthening national capacities for conflict management and laying the foundations for sustainable peace & development.

Identify two challenges in measuring the success of peacebuilding efforts.

Two challenges in measuring the success of peacebuilding efforts are that reintegration efforts are often disconnected from local realities, and the term peacebuilding is an overarching term covering many responsibilities, making it harder to evaluate. Additionally, the focus is often on high-level negotiations, neglecting local realities.

What is the main critique of top-down peacebuilding approaches?

The main critique of top-down peacebuilding approaches is that they are often driven by international actors and disconnected from local needs. Western political & economic interests can influence interventions, and there's a tendency to be technical rather than political.

Explain the key shift in focus associated with the 'local turn' in peacebuilding.

The key shift in focus associated with the 'local turn' in peacebuilding is a move from outsider-driven to local-driven peace efforts, emphasising achieving critical mass in local peace initiatives, recognising differences between national & local conflicts, and empowering local capacity.

Describe two roles that civil society can play in peace processes.

Two roles that civil society can play in peace processes are monitoring peace agreements and providing local services. They can also contribute to reconciliation.

What is one critique of the role of civil society in peacebuilding?

One critique of the role of civil society in peacebuilding is that it can be project-oriented & top-down, often excluding grassroots movements. Another is the NGO-ization of local actors, which can shift focus away from community engagement.

Provide an example of a community-based institution involved in local peacebuilding efforts.

An example of a community-based institution involved in local peacebuilding efforts is Local Peace Committees (LPCs) in Burundi & Eastern DRC, which are involved in community-driven reconciliation, early warning systems, and building local relations & trust.

What is a key challenge in defining 'local actors' in the context of peacebuilding?

A key challenge in defining 'local actors' in the context of peacebuilding is that it is not always clear who truly represents a community.

Name one alternative approach to traditional peacebuilding that aims for deeper systemic change.

One alternative approach to traditional peacebuilding that aims for deeper systemic change is structural transformation, which focuses on developing legitimate authority and strengthening long-term social relationships (relational peacebuilding).

Describe the current global state of democracy, highlighting key trends.

The current global state of democracy shows high support for democracy but low trust in elected officials. Democratic backsliding is a major issue, occurring incrementally. There is a rise in hybrid regimes and a decline in democratic quality. There is also growing support for authoritarian solutions due to dissatisfaction with representative democracies.

Name three key elements commonly associated with the definition of democracy.

Three key elements commonly associated with the definition of democracy are rights enjoyed by people, free and fair elections, and liberal rights (safeguards against power abuse). Other elements include participation in political processes, rule of law, and economic rights.

Identify one challenge in objectively measuring democracy.

One challenge in objectively measuring democracy is that no completely objective method exists, and common indices face criticism regarding subjective selection of respondents and questions.

Explain the concept of democratic backsliding.

Democratic backsliding is a gradual decline in democratic qualities rather than a sudden regime change.

Name two key drivers of democratic backsliding mentioned in the source.

Two key drivers of democratic backsliding mentioned in the source are bad leaders (populist & authoritarian-leaning leaders consolidating power) and bad institutions (certain semi-presidential & majoritarian systems being more vulnerable). Bad times (economic instability, inequality, global crises) and exogenous shocks are also drivers.

Describe the ideological approach to defining populism, highlighting its three core elements.

The ideological approach to defining populism views it as a thin-centered ideology with three core elements: 'the pure people' vs. 'the corrupt elite', a Manichean worldview (black-and-white, good vs. evil), and the belief that the 'general will' of the people should guide politics.

According to research, are 'bad citizens' considered a primary driver of democratic backsliding? Briefly explain why or why not.

According to research, 'bad citizens' are not considered a primary driver of democratic backsliding. Methodological biases in studies suggest that structural & elite-driven factors, not citizens, are responsible.

How can certain institutional setups, like power-sharing institutions, offer protection against democratic backsliding?

Certain institutional setups, like power-sharing institutions (e.g., citizen-initiated referendums), can offer protection against democratic backsliding by creating more checks and balances and opportunities for broader participation.

According to existing research, what two factors beyond structural solutions are crucial for preventing democratic backsliding?

trust in people and fostering dialogue. Democratic experience also plays a key role.

What is the central debate surrounding the legitimacy of International Organizations (IOs)?

The central debate surrounding the legitimacy of International Organizations (IOs) is whether they lack direct democratic legitimacy but are essential for solving transnational issues, and whether they are truly neutral or serve elite interests.

According to Tallberg & Zürn (2019), what are the two main standards of legitimacy for IOs?

According to Tallberg & Zürn (2019), the two main standards of legitimacy for IOs are democratic legitimacy (based on procedures, participation, accountability, deliberation, transparency) and purposive legitimacy (based on expertise, efficiency, legality, performance, protection of rights, problem-solving, fairness).

Describe the 'delegate model' of representation in the context of IOs. What is its focus in terms of legitimacy?

The 'delegate model' of representation in the context of IOs implies that IOs act as representatives of states, but it is states, not citizens, who directly delegate authority. Its focus in terms of legitimacy is responsiveness and input legitimacy.

Explain the 'trustee model' of representation in IOs and the basis of its legitimacy.

The 'trustee model' of representation in IOs suggests that they gain legitimacy from their performance and problem-solving abilities rather than elections. This is known as output legitimacy.

What is 'integration by stealth' as a criticism of technocratic governance in IOs?

'Integration by stealth' is a criticism of technocratic governance in IOs, referring to the slow expansion of IO authority without public consent.

Provide an example of an alternative institution that has emerged in response to Western dominance in the international liberal order.

An example of an alternative institution that has emerged in response to Western dominance in the international liberal order is China’s Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), seen as a challenge to the World Bank & IMF.

According to the source, what are two key drivers of the (de)legitimation of IOs?

According to the source, two key drivers of the (de)legitimation of IOs are technocratic legitimacy, based on expertise and efficiency rather than democratic participation, and populist legitimacy, which frames IOs as elitist and undemocratic. Strategic interests also play a role.

Mention two reasons why far-right movements often oppose IOs.

Two reasons why far-right movements often oppose IOs are the belief that IOs weaken national sovereignty (nativism) and the perception that IOs serve global elites, not ordinary people (populism). They also link IOs to illiberalism and Euroscepticism.

Briefly outline one of the three explanations for public trust in IOs mentioned in the source.

One of the three explanations for public trust in IOs is the utilitarian approach, which suggests that trust depends on whether people feel they benefit or suffer from globalisation, differentiating between 'winners' and 'losers' of globalisation and considering socio-economic status and economic performance.

Name one potential future trend for the international order discussed in the source.

One potential future trend for the international order discussed in the source is de-liberalization ('Unwoking'), where IOs could move away from neoliberal and progressive agendas. Other trends include autocratization, de-technocratization, and transactionalization.

What is the main argument regarding imperialism's lasting influence on modern international relations?

the transition from empires to nation-states did not eliminate imperial power structures, and economic interdependence & cultural heritage continue to shape international relations.

Name two levels at which decolonizing international relations involves rethinking political structures.

Decolonizing international relations involves rethinking political structures at global relations (states, IOs, trade, law, etc.) and domestic IR actors (governments, think tanks, educational institutions). It also includes rethinking the academic field of IR itself.

According to Edward Said's 'Orientalism', how did colonial powers maintain their dominance?

According to Edward Said's 'Orientalism', colonial powers shaped knowledge to reinforce their dominance.

What are the four key elements of sovereignty established by the Treaty of Westphalia (1648)?

The four key elements of sovereignty established by the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) are territoriality, non-intervention, legal equality, and a monopoly on legitimate force.

How did Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points reflect a limited approach to self-determination?

Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points reflected a limited approach to self-determination because it mainly promoted self-determination for European minorities, while colonized peoples were excluded from post-WWI negotiations.

How was the concept of 'Mare Liberum' ('Freedom of the Seas') used to justify colonial expansion?

The concept of 'Mare Liberum' ('Freedom of the Seas') was used to legalize colonial expansion under the guise of trade.

Explain how the idea of the 'social contract' was used by European powers to justify colonial rule.

European powers used the idea of Thomas Hobbes' social contract, where people surrender rights for protection, to justify colonial rule by claiming they brought 'order' to 'primitive' societies that were framed as lacking sovereignty.

What is the main challenge posed by the concept of 'decolonizing sovereignty' to the traditional Western understanding?

The main challenge posed by the concept of 'decolonizing sovereignty' to the traditional Western understanding is that it challenges the Western idea of sovereignty as a universal, natural evolution. It argues that colonial systems shaped modern international relations to ensure Western dominance.

Provide an example of how powerful states continue to control the international system in a way that reflects colonial legacies.

An example of how powerful states continue to control the international system in a way that reflects colonial legacies is the case of Palestine’s widespread recognition except by Western powers.

Briefly describe the 'Millet System' within the Ottoman Empire.

The 'Millet System' within the Ottoman Empire allowed religious & cultural diversity within the empire.

What was the contradictory nature of Japanese imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

while Japan industrialised and challenged European superiority, it also promoted Pan-Asian unity against Western colonialism but simultaneously colonised Korea & China

Why is populism considered difficult to define?

Populism is considered difficult to define because it cuts across different political ideologies.

Describe 'populism as an ideology' (the ideational approach), highlighting its three core elements.

'Populism as an ideology' (the ideational approach) has three core elements: 'the pure people' vs. 'the corrupt elite', a Manichean worldview (black-and-white, good vs. evil), and the belief that the 'general will' of the people should guide politics.

Explain the difference between populism and demoticism.

Populism is a thin-centered ideology that attaches itself to other political traditions, focusing on 'the people vs. the elite'. Demoticism, on the other hand, is merely closeness to ordinary people, using common language, and identifying with their struggles, without necessarily fulfilling the core conditions of populism.

Name three defining characteristics of the populist radical right.

Three defining characteristics of the populist radical right are nationalism & nativism, authoritarianism, and being morally and ethically conservative. They often advocate for welfare chauvinism.

What are two common characteristics of voters who support populist parties in general?

Two common characteristics of voters who support populist parties in general are lower trust in political institutions and higher dissatisfaction with democracy. They also hold populist attitudes, believing in 'the people' against corrupt elites.

Identify one characteristic that is more commonly found among voters of populist radical right parties compared to populist left parties.

a greater emphasis on opposition to immigration and being more morally conservative.

Mention one 'demand-side factor' that contributes to the rise of populism.

One 'demand-side factor' that contributes to the rise of populism is economic transformations such as globalisation, automation, and rising inequality. Changing social cleavages also play a role.

How can the 'cartelization of mainstream parties' be considered a 'supply-side factor' in the rise of populism?

The 'cartelization of mainstream parties' can be considered a 'supply-side factor' in the rise of populism because when traditional parties become detached from voters, it creates an opening for new parties to adopt populist rhetoric and gain support.

Describe one dilemma faced by social democratic parties in responding to the rise of populism.

One dilemma faced by social democratic parties in responding to the rise of populism is that they must choose between appealing to their traditional working-class voters (who may be drawn to populist messages on issues like immigration) and their progressive elites who hold different views.

In what way can populism be seen as a threat to liberal democracy?

Populism can be seen as a threat to liberal democracy due to its majoritarian focus (potentially overlooking minority rights), anti-pluralism (closing down debate), and potential weakening of democratic institutions like the rule of law and independent judiciary.

In what way can populism be viewed as a corrective to democracy?

Populism can be viewed as a corrective to democracy by representing marginalized voices, challenging elite dominance, encouraging voter engagement, and criticising technocracy.

What is one institutional aspect that populist citizens often want more of in their political systems?

One institutional aspect that populist citizens often want more of in their political systems is more direct democracy through mechanisms like referendums and citizen initiatives.

According to the source, is the increasing frustration among citizens directed at democracy itself or at democratic institutions?

According to the source, the increasing frustration among citizens is not necessarily directed at democracy itself but rather at democratic institutions.

Name one key issue that is currently driving the rise of populism.

One key issue that is currently driving the rise of populism is immigration,