POL101 Essay

Geographic Empires

Empires defined by the expanse of their territory.

Inland Empire

An empire built on military conquests, exemplified by the Roman Empire.

Overseas Empire

An empire built on naval power, such as the British Empire.

Frontier Empire

An empire like the Ottoman Empire, built on economic dependence.

Economic Empires

Empires categorized by economic systems like slave-owning, rentier, mercantile, and capitalist.

Political Empires

Empires categorized by their governance structures: formal, informal, military, or bureaucratic.

Global Governance

A new form of governance that incorporates the global realm and operates through decentralization.

Decentralization

An administrative approach where power is distributed among various levels rather than concentrated.

Realism

Theory suggesting that international organizations are extensions of sovereign states and lack inherent power.

Classical Liberal Internationalism

A theory emphasizing individual freedom and the belief that free trade generates peace and prosperity.

Neoliberal Institutionalism

Theory positing that increased cooperation leads to trans-national identity that reduces conflict.

Constructivism

Theory viewing power as a social relationship shaped by state engagement within the global system.

Feminism in International Relations

An approach highlighting gender's role and recognizing the underrepresentation of women in conflict discussions.

Monopoly of Violence

The concept that the state seeks to monopolize violence to maintain dominance over its territory.

Sustained Violence

Extended use of force necessary for something to be classified as war.

Coordinated Violence

Violence between political organizations that must be reciprocated.

Realist Theory - Security Dilemma

The phenomenon where states focus on short-term security needs, potentially leading to conflict.

Offensive Strategy

A strategy aimed at pursuing regional dominance and forming alliances.

Defensive Strategy

A strategy focused on preventing hegemony and maintaining power balance.

Rivalry Theory

The idea that states become rivals due to territorial disputes and alliances.

Bargaining Model of War

Concept stating that war is costly, and individuals may misrepresent information during interactions.

Psychological Theory of War

Theory positing that different leaders produce varying outcomes affecting the likelihood of war.

Democratic Peace Theory

The theory that democracies rarely go to war with one another.

Selectorate Model

Theory explaining that political survival influences autocracies to attack weaker democracies.

Economic Interdependence

Concept that anticipated war deters political leaders from aggressive actions due to trade considerations.

Negative Peace

The absence of personal violence.

Positive Peace

The presence of social justice.

Liberal Peace

The belief that promoting liberal values leads to prolonged peace in post-conflict societies.

Five Pillars of Peace

Elements deemed essential for peace: Democratic Governance, Market Economy, Human Rights, International Institutions, and Development.

Territorial Roots of Conflict

The idea that many modern conflicts stem from disputes over borders and territory.

Historical Context of Borders

The significance of understanding historical precedents that led to the current delineation of territories.

Model of Institutional Constraints

electoral institutions, decentralization of power, free press etc. prevent/inhibit political leaders from taking unilateral military action 

International Monetary Fund

The IMF works to resolve the balance of payments + debt issues that developing countries face; its programs of economic reform are funded by other countries in exchange for power 

USA & IMF

It was found that a country’s alignment with the United States increased the probability of an IMF loan; in other words, voting with the U.S gave developing countries a better chance of receiving a loan