Polisci 2 weeks 3-7

Soverignty

The absolute and perpetual power over a commonwealth; the sovereign is seen as the source of all law, ruling through divine right, with all property belonging to them. Sovereignty encompasses the authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions independently, often associated with legal and political power.

Political Order

The condition where the state's rules are not challenged by a substantial portion of the population over a sustained period; involves the stability of governmental institutions. It reflects an absence of significant dissent and the general acceptance of authority and governance.

State Presence

Refers to the physical location and visibility of the state in public spaces, which helps exercise coercive power and can influence levels of protest.It emphasizes how the state's structures and agents are perceived within society, contributing to its legitimacy and effectiveness in maintaining control.

State capacity

The ability of the state to build and maintain authority over a territory through mechanisms of coercion, extraction, and legal enforcement.

Coercive Power (of the state)

The capacity of a state to maintain order through the legitimate use of physical force; a critical aspect of state functionality.

Digital identity

The online presentation of individuals that provides the state with enhanced visibility and control over its citizens.

Religious Laws

Legal frameworks based on religious principles, such as Sharia or Confucianism, which can serve as a foundation for political order and governance.

Collective Leadership

A political structure where leadership roles are shared among multiple individuals, promoting shared authority within governance systems.

Norm Bound Succession Politics (Chinese Communist Party)

A political framework where leadership transitions follow established norms or limits, aimed at reducing conflicts during succession.

Political Legitimacy

The recognition and acceptance of governmental authority by the public, often established through functioning institutions and political participation.

Hobbes’ Social Contract

The notion that individuals consent to surrender some freedoms to an authority in exchange for protection and order, characterized by the idea that life without such governance would be chaotic.

Violence and the State

The concept that a state’s formation often involves the use of force, as seen in the historical context of the Europeans state transformation.

Authoritarian Resilience

The mechanisms and characteristics that allow authoritarian regimes to maintain power and stability over time, often through repression and the concentration of power.

Legal Norm Enforcement

The process by which a state ensures adherence to laws among its citizens, crucial for maintaining political order and stability.

Modern State Formation

The evolution of political entities characterized by central authority and defined territorial boundaries, often emerging out of conflict.

Plurality