IB Global Politics: Key Concepts

Power

Power is the ability to influence other groups in global politics and achieve outcomes

Sovereignty

States are sovereign when they exercise supreme control over what happens inside their borders

Interdependence

Interdependence is when groups in global politics rely on each other, have shared interests or have an impact on each other.

Legitimacy

Legitimacy refers to groups or actions that are considered to be acceptable, usually by conforming to agreed laws or democratic principles

Human Rights

Human Rights are the indivisible rights which all human beings are entitled to by virtue of their humanity, without discrimination

Justice

Justice is the concept of fair treatment, usually based on an agreed and accepted set of laws that are applied equally.

Liberty

The freedom of individuals to live a life without excessive interference from those in power.

Equality

The idea that people are treated the same, without discrimination, and are allowed to enjoy the same opportunities

Development

A sustained increase in the standard of living in a society

Globalization

the process of interaction and integration. It occurs between people, trading entities and governments of different nations

Inequality

state of affairs where equality between people or groups of people is not realized and the consequent potential compromises of justice and liberty.

Sustainability

Refers to the capacity of countries and groups to maintain themselves by reducing factors that threaten well-being

Peace

Peace is the absence of violence or conflict, sometimes underpinned by a level of deeper equity and harmony

Conflict

Conflict is when parties disagree or compete with each other over ideas, resources or territory. Conflict may be violent or non-violent

Violence

Violence is when physical, mental or other harm is caused by an individual or group to another

Non-Violence

Non-Violence is the practice of advocating one's own or others' rights without physically harming the opponent