Introduction to International Organizations and World Politics – Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering IOs, IGOs, NGOs, MNCs, UN system organs, key regional organizations (EU, OIC, AU, Arab League, ASEAN), IR theories, and related concepts from the notes.

International organization (IO)

A broad umbrella term that includes IGOs, NGOs, and MNCs; institutions, processes, norms, and laws that shape global governance and the international community.

Intergovernmental organization (IGO)

A formal organization whose principal members are states; membership and decisions are defined by a charter or treaty (e.g., UN, NATO, EU).

Nongovernmental organization (NGO)

A nonprofit, private organization engaging in international activities; can be issue-specific or multipurpose and can pressure states and IGOs (e.g., Amnesty International, Greenpeace).

Multinational corporation (MNC)

For-profit firms with subsidiaries in two or more countries; possess large resources and influence across local to global politics (e.g., Apple, Walmart).

Global governance

The collection of institutions, norms, and rules guiding how state and nonstate actors address global problems in the absence of a world government.

Liberal world order

Post‑World War II system based on liberal values like free markets, multilateralism, and free movement of capital and people; increasingly challenged by nationalism.

Realism

A theory that sees world politics as conflictual and driven by states, with anarchy and power struggles as central; states are the primary actors.

Anarchy (in IR)

The absence of a central world authority; no overarching sovereign; leads to self-help and competition among states.

Hegemonic stability theory

Idea that global order is maintained by a single dominant power (hegemon) that creates and sustains international institutions.

Complex interdependence

A liberal concept where states are connected through multiple channels (trade, finance, information), reducing the likelihood of violent conflict.

Liberalism (IR theory)

A belief in the value of individuals, market mechanisms, and rule of law; emphasizes cooperation and the role of IGOs, NGOs, and MNCs.

Marxism (IR theory)

A critical framework emphasizing capitalism, class relations, and economic inequalities; sees international relations as shaped by economic power.

Feminism (IR theory)

Approach that analyzes how gender, patriarchy, and gender biases influence international relations and IOs.

Constructivism (IR theory)

Theory focusing on ideas, social norms, and identities shaping interests; reality is socially constructed and norms evolve.

Sovereign equality

Principle that all UN member states possess equal legal status under international law.

Peaceful settlement of disputes

Norm that international disputes should be resolved through mediation, negotiation, arbitration, or adjudication.

Nonuse of force

Principle prohibiting the threat or use of force in international relations.

Nonintervention

Principle restricting interference in domestic affairs of other states.

Constitutive treaty

Foundational treaty that creates an IO and outlines its legal personality and powers.

International legal personality

Capacity of an IO to possess rights and duties under international law; often arising from its constitutive treaty or case law.

Advisory opinions

Judicial opinions issued by an international court (e.g., ICJ) at the request of UN organs; influential but non-binding in many cases.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The World Court; principal judicial organ of the UN; settles disputes between states and issues advisory opinions.

United Nations (UN)

Global IGO founded in 1945 to maintain peace and security, develop friendly relations, and promote human rights; six main organs coordinate its work.

General Assembly

UN plenary, deliberative body; passes nonbinding resolutions and oversees budget and policy recommendations.

Security Council

UN organ responsible for maintaining peace and security; decisions can be binding; permanent5 with veto; nonpermanent 10 elected members.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

UN body promoting economic, social, and environmental cooperation; can initiate studies and draft conventions; coordinates with specialized agencies.

Trusteeship Council

UN body created to oversee decolonization; suspended operations in 1994 as trusts became autonomous.

Secretariat

The UN bureaucracy led by the Secretary-General; implements UN programs and policies.

Specialized agencies

Autonomous UN organizations coordinated through ECOSOC; examples include FAO, ILO, IMF, WHO, UNESCO, WTO.

European Union (EU)

Regional multilateral organization pursuing deep economic, political, and social integration among European states; includes supranational institutions and a common currency (euro) for many members.

European Council

EU body of heads of state/government setting policy direction and priorities; formalized under the Lisbon Treaty.

Council of the EU (Council of Ministers)

EU decision-making body of national ministers; uses weighted voting; requires a qualified majority; major actions often require unanimity.

European Commission

EU’s executive arm; initiates policy proposals, monitors implementation, and upholds the Treaties as the “guardian.”

European Parliament

EU's directly elected legislative body; shares legislative power with Council and approves the budget.

Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ/CJEU)

EU judiciary interpreting EU law; can issue preliminary opinions; individuals may have standing in some cases.

ASEAN

Association of Southeast Asian Nations; ten-member regional organization promoting peace, stability, and economic integration in Asia.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

57-member IGO founded to safeguard Islamic solidarity and coordinate cooperation among Muslim states; voting often by two-thirds, not always binding.

African Union (AU)

55-member regional organization replacing the OAU; focuses on peace, security, and development; often partners with the UN on missions.

Arab League

League of Arab States (22 member states) organizing Arab cooperation and collective security; unanimity in many decisions; seeks to mediate regional disputes.

Kyoto Protocol

Climate-change treaty cited as an example of international environmental governance and NGO influence on global norms.

FDI (Foreign Direct Investment)

Ownership and managerial control of assets across borders by a parent company through subsidiaries.

Congos / MANGOs / PANGOs / TANGOs / VNGOs

Categories of NGOs used to describe various NGO types: CONGO (commercial NGO), MANGO (mafia NGO), PANGO (party NGO), TANGO (terrorist-front NGO), VNGO (violent NGO).