Global Politics

Power

The ability to influence and control the behavior of people and outcomes in political contexts.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; a key principle of international law.

Legitimacy

The right and acceptance of an authority, usually a governing law or regime.

Interdependence

A mutual reliance between two or more groups, especially in political or economic contexts.

IGOs (Intergovernmental Organizations)

Organizations formed between states to work on issues of common interest, like the United Nations.

NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations)

Private organizations that operate independently of government and often aim to address social or political issues.

Civil Society

The aggregate of non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest interests and will of citizens.

Political Science

The branch of social science that studies politics, government systems, and political behavior.

Political systems

Structures that govern a state or community, including laws, regulations, and institutions.

Collective Action

An action taken together by a group in pursuit of a common goal.

Biased Media

News organizations that present information in a way that reflects particular points of view.

Legal Framework

A structure of law that establishes the legal rights and obligations of individuals and organizations.

Norms

Unwritten rules or standards of behavior that are widely accepted within a society or political system.

Public Affairs

The intersection of politics, governance, and the public interest.

Realism

A theory in international relations emphasizing the competitive and conflictual side of human nature and the state system.

Liberalism

A theory that emphasizes cooperation, the potential for peace, and the role of international organizations in fostering cooperation and interdependence.

Constructivism

A theory that emphasizes the impact of ideas, beliefs, and social identities on international relations.

Positive Peace

A state of peace characterized by the presence of social justice, equity, and the absence of structural violence.

Negative Peace

A state of peace established by the absence of direct violence or war but may not address the underlying causes of conflict.

Structural Violence

A form of violence where social structures or institutions harm people by preventing them from meeting their basic needs.

Cultural Violence

Aspects of culture that can be used to justify or legitimize direct or structural violence, such as ideologies, religions, or symbols.

Conflict

A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one, that can arise from competing interests, values, or needs.

Violence

The use of force to harm others, which can come in various forms such as physical, psychological, and structural.

Causes of Conflict

Common causes include competition over resources, political power, ethnic or religious differences, and historical grievances.

Transformative Justice

An approach to justice that seeks to address the root causes of conflict and violence, focusing on repairing relationships and societal structures.