Lecture on State and Sovereignty

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the state, sovereignty, and their implications in global politics.

Sovereignty

The principle that each state has exclusive authority over its own territory and domestic affairs, without external interference.

Westphalian Sovereignty

The concept established by the 1648 Peace of Westphalia that asserts the legal equality of states and the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states.

Monopoly on Legitimate Use of Force

A key component in Max Weber's definition of the state, meaning that the state alone has the right to use physical force within its territory.

Social Contract Theory

The theory that the state exists to provide order and security among individuals who would otherwise act aggressively and selfishly.

Legitimacy

The acceptance of an authority, often used to describe whether the use of force by the state is justified in the eyes of its citizens and other states.

Hegemonic

Referring to a state or system that is dominant over others, often identified as the most powerful or influential entity.

Non-Intervention

The principle established by the Westphalian Peace Treaty that prohibits countries from interfering in the internal affairs of other states.

Social Goods Allocation

The process by which a state decides who receives specific goods and services, which reflects its governance and resource distribution policies.

Political Spectrum

A system for classifying political positions from left to right, typically describing a range from anarchism and socialism on the left to conservatism and libertarianism on the right.