International Politics Unit 2

Current International Conflicts

Afghanistan and Pakistan, India and China, India and Pakistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Syria.

Carl von Clausewitz

Assessed the 'moral' aspects of war.

Paradoxical Triangle

Combination of policy (government), passion (people), and chance (military) to ensure success in war.

Civil Wars

Violent conflict within one state.

International Wars

Conflicts involving two or more sovereign states.

The Security Dilemma

A situation where states increase their weaponry for safety, leading to arms races.

Offense-Defense Theory

Whether offense (cannons) or defense (moats) are a stronger method

Causes of War

Competition over resources, religious disputes, power imbalances, and nationalism.

Terrorism

Threat to international stability and security through violence or fears for political or ideological goals.

Counterterrorism

Efforts to prepare for or combat terrorism through various means including information gathering.

Political Violence

Politically motivated violence directed against individuals or states.

Unconventional Warfare

Military strategy employing resistance movements against occupying powers.

FARC-EP and UP Party

A Colombian political party with far-left communist ideology.

Doctrine of Military Ethics

Principles guiding the moral conduct of military operations.

Jus ad Bellum

The 'right to war'; war must be a last resort aimed at restoring peace.

Jus in Bello

Moral principles to be followed during war, especially protecting civilians.

Jus post Bellum

Legal principles guiding the transition from war to peace.

The Red Cross

An organization providing international humanitarian assistance.

Geneva Conventions

Legal standards for the treatment of soldiers and civilians in wartime.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Weapons capable of causing widespread devastation and loss of life.

Chemical Weapons and CWC

Treaty prohibiting the development, use, and stockpiling of chemical weapons.

Biological Weapons and BWC

Treaty banning biological and toxin weapons by prohibiting their development.

Nuclear Weapons and NPT

Agreement among nations to halt the spread of nuclear weapons.

Fission vs. Fusion

Fission relates to nuclear weapon production; fusion is a safer energy source.

Dual Use Problem

The risk of military advancements simultaneously raising security concerns, will people use with malicious intent?

Non-Proliferation

Treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.