International Relations Theories and Concepts

A collection of flashcards based on key concepts and vocabulary from international relations lecture notes.

Theory

An intellectual construct composed of a set of interrelated propositions that help identify or select facts and interpret them.

Coercive State

An institutional machinery designed to develop and extract resources from society, often through war and taxation.

Decolonization of IR

The process of exposing the role of colonialism in the construction of international relations as a discipline.

Realism

A theory in IR that emphasizes the role of states, national security, and power, treating states as primary actors.

Balance of Power

The distribution of power in the international system that prevents any one state from becoming too strong.

Anarchy

The absence of a central authority in the international system, leading to a self-help environment among states.

Structural Realism

A theory that posits an influence of the international system's structure on state behavior.

Proxy War

A conflict instigated by a major power that does not itself become directly involved.

Containment

A foreign policy strategy aimed at preventing the spread of communism.

Global South

Refers to developing countries that often question neorealism and offer alternative perspectives on international relations.

Sovereignty

The ultimate internal authority and external recognition of a state, often complicated in the Global South.

NGOs

Non-governmental organizations that provide material and logistical assistance during humanitarian crises.

First Geneva Convention

The first instance of International Humanitarian Law that provides neutral protection for wounded soldiers.

Marxism

A theory that analyzes the influence of capitalism on social structures and state functions.

Private Military Contractors

Companies that provide military support or security services, often employed for missions at high political risk.

Climate Finance

Funding aimed at supporting mitigation and adaptation efforts addressing climate change.

Lifeboat Ethics

A metaphor used to describe the ethical dilemma of resource sharing between rich and poor nations.

Social Determinants of Health

The social and economic factors that influence the health and well-being of individuals.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

A court established to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Disinformation

Communication containing intentionally false or misleading material, often found on social media.

Articles of the UN

Foundational principles that foster international cooperation, including commitment to security.

Humanitarian Principles

Guidelines ensuring that humanitarian aid is impartial, neutral, and independent.

Civil Society

The aggregate of non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest interests and will of citizens.

Territorial Integrity

The principle under which a state has the right to govern itself without external interference.

Ideological Battle

A struggle for political dominance that often shapes international relations.

World Bank

An international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of developing countries.

World Health Organization (WHO)

A specialized agency of the UN responsible for international public health.

General Assembly of the UN

The main deliberative assembly of the United Nations where each member has one vote.

Security Council of the UN

A body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, with the ability to pass sanctions.

Law of Gravity in IR

Principles in IR that are universally accepted, reflecting stable theories that apply across contexts.

Nuclear Proliferation

The spread of nuclear weapons and technology to nations not recognized as Nuclear Weapon States.

Transnational Class Coalitions

Linkages between elites in core countries and those in periphery countries that facilitate exploitation.

Modernization Theory

A view that suggests developing countries will follow the same path as previously developed nations.

Dependency Theory

A perspective that posits underdevelopment in certain nations is a result of their exploitation by richer nations.

Protective Tariff

Government-imposed taxes on imported goods aimed at supporting local industries.

Environmental Degradation

The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources, destruction of ecosystems, and pollution.

Carbon Footprint

A measure of the total greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual or organization.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, which can be affected by environmental policies.

Astroturfing

The practice of creating fake grassroots support for a cause to manipulate public perception.

Pseudoscience

Claims or beliefs mistakenly presented as scientific, lacking empirical support.

Human Rights Advocacy

Efforts aimed at promoting and protecting the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled.

Collective Security

A system that aims to prevent aggression through cooperative security arrangements among nations.

Civil Liberties

Individual rights protected by law from unjust governmental or other interference.

Public Opinion on Climate Change

General perceptions and beliefs held by the populace regarding climate change issues.

Indirect Colonialism

A method of control where colonial powers use local rulers to maintain dominance.

Social Justice

The view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities.

Ecosystem Restoration

Efforts focused on recovering and restoring ecosystems to their natural state.

Climate Adaptation

Adjustments in practices, processes, and structures to mitigate potential damage from climate change.

Crisis Management

The identification and resolution of crises, particularly in humanitarian contexts.

Cultural Imperialism

The imposition of one culture over others, often in the context of globalization.

Intersectionality

A framework for understanding how different aspects of a person's social identity interact.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

A foundational document asserting the basic rights and freedoms entitled to all human beings.

Global Governance

The way international affairs are managed across countries through international cooperation.

Crisis Resilience

The ability of communities or systems to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to crises.

Social Responsibility of Businesses

The idea that companies should consider the social, environmental, and economic impacts of their operations.

Environmental Justice

The equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens across different social groups.

Microfinance

Financial services provided to low-income individuals or those without access to typical banking.

Sustainable Development Goals

A universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.

Anthropocentrism

A human-centered view of the world that considers humans as the most significant entity.

Sociopolitical Fabric

The interconnected elements of a society, including culture, politics, and community dynamics.

Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

Companies that operate in multiple countries, often with significant economic influence.

Transboundary Issues

Problems that cross national borders, often requiring cooperative solutions.

Water Scarcity

The lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands of water usage.

Greenwashing

A form of misleading marketing that seeks to portray products as environmentally friendly.

Civic Engagement

Individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern.

Urbanization

The increasing number of people living in urban areas, leading to societal and environmental changes.

Cultural Competence

The ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.

Human Rights Violations

Acts that infringe on an individual's basic rights and freedoms.

Philanthropy

Voluntary giving of resources, often for social, humanitarian, or environmental purposes.

Decentralization

The distribution of administrative powers or functions from a central authority.

Restorative Justice

A system of criminal justice that focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation.

Biopolitics

The intersection of human life and political governance, often focusing on issues of health and population.

Urban Resilience

The capacity of cities to absorb disturbances while retaining basic function.

Sustainable Practices

Actions and methods that do not deplete resources or cause harm to the environment.

Critical Theory

An approach to social philosophy that seeks to confront the social, historical, and ideological forces that shape and constrain human practices.