IB Global Politics Unit 2 Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, theories, and state behaviors for IB Global Politics Unit 2.

Universalism

The philosophical or theological belief that certain ideas, truths, or salvation apply universally to all human beings, transcending individual cultures, religions, or national boundaries.

Relativism (Cultural)

The principle that a person's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather than judged against the standards of another.

National Interest

The goals and priorities a state seeks to achieve in order to protect its security, prosperity, power, and survival.

Balance of Power

A situation in which military, economic, or political power is distributed so that no single state can dominate all others.

Great Power

A state with sufficient military, economic, and political strength to significantly influence international affairs beyond its own region.

Hegemony

A condition in which one state possesses overwhelming power and is able to shape the rules, institutions, or behavior of other states.

Regional Hegemon

A state that is the dominant power within a particular geographic region and faces no serious regional rivals.

Security

The ability of a state to protect its territory, sovereignty, population, and vital interests from internal and external threats.

Deterrence

The use of threats to convince another actor not to take a particular action.

Coercion

The use of threats, force, or pressure to compel another actor to change its behavior.

Military Capability

The ability of a state to use armed forces effectively, including its personnel, technology, weapons, logistics, and readiness.

Sphere

A geographic area in which a powerful state seeks to exert political, economic, or military influence while limiting the influence of rivals.

Strategic Interest

A specific objective, resource, location, or relationship that a state considers important to its security or national interest.

Anarchy

The condition of the international system in which there is no higher authority above sovereign states to enforce rules or guarantee security.

Buffer State

A state located between rival powers whose existence helps reduce direct competition or conflict between them.

Revisionist State

A state that seeks to alter the existing international order, balance of power, borders, or rules in ways that benefit its interests.

Status Quo State

A state that generally seeks to preserve the existing international order, institutions, and distribution of power.

Proxy War

A conflict in which major powers support opposing sides indirectly, rather than fighting each other directly.

Power Projection

The ability of a state to deploy and sustain military, economic, or political influence beyond its own borders.

Credibility

The degree to which other actors believe a state's commitments, promises, threats, or deterrent warnings will be carried out.

Pax Americana

The period of relative peace after WW2 led by the United States.