VCE Global Politics 2025 Unit 1 AOS 1: 'Power and Global Actors' Key Information

What are the key pillars of democracy?

Free and fair elections, freedom of speech, equal rights, and constitutional law.

What is a nation?

A community of people based on a particular identity. They have a shared culture, language, history, ethnicity, religion etc. It does not have recognised sovereignty.

What is a government?

The legitimate and recognised leader of a state.

What is power?

The ability of a state or actors to exert influence on another group.

What are two types of Hard Power?

Military Power and Economic Power.

What are two types of Soft Power?

Cultural Power and Diplomatic Power.

What is a state?

Something that is both a political community and territorial entity.

What are the key features of a state?

A permanent population, a defined territory, a functioning government and economy, the ability to engage with other states, and recognised sovereignty from other sovereign states.

What is a country?

A nation with its own government, occupying a particular territory.

What is Economic Power?

Using trade and financial pressure to influence politics.

What is Military Power?

Control over law enforcement and physical power.

What is Diplomatic Power?

Using agreements, treaties etc. to influence other countries.

What is Cultural Power?

The power of a state to influence another state by spreading its culture, forging ties and shifting the perspective of the public.

What is Technological Power?

Using innovation and technology to share with other countries.

What is sovereignty?

The legitimate or widely recognised ability of a governing body to exercise supreme and exclusive authority within a geographically defined area.