Introduction to International Relations

Flashcards covering key terminology and concepts from the lecture on International Relations.

International Relations (IR)

The study of the interactions between nations, including their policies, economic influences, and cultural exchanges.

Globalization

The process of increasing interdependence and connectivity among countries, often leading to the integration of economies and cultures.

Collective Goods Problem

The challenge of providing goods that benefit all members of a group, often requiring cooperation among nations.

Dominance

A principle for solving collective goods problems by establishing a power hierarchy where higher-ranking members control lower-ranking members.

Reciprocity

A principle where cooperation is encouraged by rewarding positive actions and punishing negative ones, promoting mutual benefits.

Identity

A principle wherein individuals prioritize the interests of their community over their own, promoting cooperation without reliance on self-interest.

State Actor

A primary actor in international relations, defined as a territory controlled by a government and inhabited by a population.

Nonstate Actor

An entity that operates across borders influencing international relations but is not a sovereign state, such as NGOs or multinational corporations.

Intergovernmental Organization (IGO)

An organization composed primarily of sovereign states, like the UN or NATO, that engages in activities across borders.

Nongovernmental Organization (NGO)

Private organizations that operate independently from government influence, focusing on various social, humanitarian, or environmental issues.

Levels of Analysis

A conceptual framework used in IR to categorize influences and actors into individual, domestic, interstate, and global levels for analysis.

The Cold War

The period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, characterized by ideological conflict, military build-up, and proxy wars.