Political Theory and Security Approaches

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and concepts related to political theory, security approaches, and international relations as discussed in the lecture notes.

Foundational Ontology

Assumes that political and social reality is objective, stable, and exists independently of human interpretation.

Positivist Epistemology

A method that derives valid knowledge through empirical observation and emphasizes value-neutrality.

Critical Approaches

Reject foundationalism, focusing on how political realities are socially constructed and historically contingent.

Anarchy in IR

The absence of a supranational authority, distinguishing International Relations as a discipline.

Global Governance

A collection of governance-related activities, rules, and mechanisms on various levels.

Liberal International Order

Founded on principles that international cooperation creates peace and stability.

Security Dilemma

When states' actions to increase their own security cause insecurity in others, leading to arms races.

Collective Defence

Military alliances where members promise to defend each other against external threats.

Democratic Peace Thesis

The empirical claim that liberal democracies do not fight wars with each other.

Securitisation

The process through which political elites frame issues as existential threats, justifying extraordinary measures.

Human Security

Concept emphasizing freedom from fear and want as essential to security.

Structural Power

The power to shape the frameworks within which states operate, according to Susan Strange.

Soft Power

Influence through attraction, culture, and values, as described by Joseph Nye.

Normative Orientation

A commitment towards emancipation and transformation in critical approaches.

Causal Modelling

A methodological approach used in traditional theory for hypothesis testing to understand political outcomes.

Balance of Power Theory

A theory that states should balance against threats to maintain stability in the international system.