M-Lec 2: G2 - The Global Interstate System

The Global Interstate System

Known as international system / world order. This is a network of political, economic, and social relations among sovereign states globally.

Peace of Westphalia

A series of peace treaties where it ended the Thirty Years’ war in Europe and established principles of state sovereignity, territorial integirty, and non-interference.

Thirty Years War

A series of war in Central Europe started in 1618 due to a revolt against imposing religious uniformity and ended 1648 after Peace of Westphalia was established.

16th - 19th Century

A period where interstate system expended globally because of European powers establishing colonies, though under unequal conditions.

20th Century: Post-World War I

A period in global interstate system where League of Nations emerged. It was a first attempt at global governance but failed.

League of Nations

The first intergovermental organization, established in January 10, 1920 after World War II and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It aimed to promoted international cooperation and maintain world peace.

20th Century: Post World-War II

A period in global state system where it founded the United Nations, institutionalising diplomacy, international law, and cooperation.

20th Century: Cold War Era

A period in global interstate system where there was a Bipolar balance of power between US and USSR. This means that the entire world was dominated by those two superpowers.

20th Century: Post-Cold War

A period in global interstate system where it move towards globalization, multilateralism, regional blocks, and renewed nationalism.

Sovereignity

A key feature of global interstate system where each states have supreme authority or control within its borders. This includes territory, population, economy, and domestic governance.

Balance of Power

A key feature of global interstate system where states form alliances to prevent one power from dominating.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Known as NATO and North Atlantic Alliance. It is a intergovermental military alliance between 32 member states, 30 in Europe, 2 in USA. It was formed during the Cold War in order to counterbalance the Soviet Union.

Interdependence

A key feature of global interstate system where modern states are economically, politically, and militarility interconnected.

Conflict and Cooperation

A key feature of global interstate system where both rivalries and partnerships mark the system. Wars, territorial disputes, and power struggles coexist with diplomacy and peace agreements.

Arms Limitation Agreement

An international treaty design to restrict the number of types of military weapons and military forces among participating states. This demonstrates cooperative approaches.

Soft Power

The ability to co-opt rather than coerce. It uses culture, political values, and foreign policies to enact change.

Hard Power

The use of coercive means such as military force or economic sanctions to influence the behavior or interest of one another.

State

A sovereign political entity with a defined territory, population, and government that exercises authority and provides security to its people.