global citizenship - unit 1: politics and governance

democracy

A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.

authoritarianism

A government that concentrates political power in an authority not responsible to the people (e.g. North Korea)

dictatorship

A ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force (e.g. Thailand)

sovereignty

to have supreme power or authority

international relations

The way in which two or more nations interact with and regard each other, especially in the context of political, economic, or cultural relationships.

the state

A nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government.

power

The ability to influence what happens, power is the capacity of an individual to influence the conduct (behaviour) of others. The ability to influence/change events in politics (authority).

globalisation

The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.

governance

The action or manner of governing a state, organization, etc.

legitimacy

Conformity to the law or to the rules. "Refusal to recognize the legitimacy of a government or ruling party"

transparency

In politics, it is used as a means of holding public officials accountable and fighting corruption. When a government's meetings are open to the press and the public, its budgets may be reviewed by anyone, and its laws and decisions are open to discussion.

accountability

Responsible for one's own actions or that of a collective.

rule of law

The restriction of the arbitrary exercise of power by subordinating it to well-defined and established laws.

rule by law

Its principal meaning is that the power of the Government and all government servants shall be derived from law as expressed in legislation and the judicial decisions made by independent courts.

human rights

the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or how you choose to live your life. These basic rights are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence.

the universal declaration of human rights (UDHR)

a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948.

basic rights

rights and freedoms to which all humans are considered to be entitled, often held to include the rights to life, liberty, equality, and a fair trial, freedom from slavery and torture, and freedom of thought and expression.

civil rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

political rights

The rights that involve participation in the establishment or administration of a government and are usually held to entitle the adult citizen to exercise of the franchise, the holding of public office, and other political activities.

social/cultural rights

Is something that involves social and cultural aspects. An example is a focus of study in anthropology. An example is knowing about the people around you and their family backgrounds. A moral or legal entitlement to have or do something. That which is morally correct, just, or honourable.

economic rights

guarantee adequate sustenance, and housing, such as the right to education, right to housing, right to an adequate standard of living, right to health, victims' rights and the right to science and culture.

universal rights

These are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to all of us, from birth until death. ... These values are defined and protected by law.

international law

A body of rules established by custom or treaty and recognized by nations as binding in their relations with one another.

the role of the UN

to preserve international peace and security. ... Any state, whether it is a member of the UN or not, may bring any dispute or situation that endangers international peace and security to the attention of the Security Council or the General Assembly.

responsibility to protect

a global political commitment which was endorsed by all member states of the United Nations at the 2005 World Summit in order to address its four key concerns to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

intervention

The action or process of intervening. Interference by a state in another's affairs.

non-intervention

The principle or practice of not becoming involved in the affairs of other countries.

humanitarian aid

is material and logistic assistance to people who need help. It is usually short-term help until the long-term help by the government and other institutions replaces it. Among the people in need are the homeless, refugees, and victims of natural disasters, wars, and famines.

autocracy

is a form of government in which unlimited power is held by a single individual. I.e. A non democratic system of government