MOD 17: US Foreign Policy and International Organizations

Flashcards covering key concepts related to US foreign policy and international organizations, focusing on terms and definitions important for understanding international relations.

International Institutions

Humanly devised constraints that structure incentives and interaction in international relations.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions over its territory without interference from outside.

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

Political organizations established by states that have formal governmental connections, like the UN or NATO.

Collective Action Problem

A situation in which individuals or groups must work together to achieve a common goal, but face difficulties due to conflicting individual interests.

NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance formed to protect Western Europe from the Soviet threat during the Cold War.

General Assembly (UN)

One of the main political bodies of the United Nations where all member states have a voice.

Security Council

A principal body of the UN responsible for maintaining international peace, consisting of five permanent members with veto power.

UN Peacekeeping

A function of the UN to help maintain peace and security in conflict areas, deploying forces to assist in stabilization.

Legitimacy

The general perception that an entity or action is justified and has the right to exist or act.

U.S. Hegemon

Refers to the United States' dominant influence over global political and economic frameworks.