Unit 4 - Power and Soveringty

Self- determination

The principle that a group of people has the right to choose their own political status and govern themselves without external influence or interference.

Sovereignty

the authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

Core

principles of international law that define the rights and responsibilities of states in the global arena.

Escarpments

steep slopes or cliffs that form the edge of a plateau or highland, often resulting in dramatic topographical changes.

Effective sovereignty

is the ability of a state to exercise complete control over its territory and governance without external interference.

Ethnonational/ethnocultural forces

cultural or ethnic groups that seek political autonomy or independence, often driven by a desire for self-determination.

Devolution

the transfer of powers and responsibilities from a central government to regional or local authorities, allowing for greater autonomy.

State

a political entity with a defined territory, permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

Nation

a group of people with common language, culture, and history, often sharing a sense of identity and belonging.

Nation state

a political unit characterized by a distinct nation that governs itself, often aligning national identity with state boundaries.

Stateless nation

a cultural or ethnic group that does not possess its own state and lacks sovereignty over a defined territory.

City state

a sovereign state that consists of a city and its surrounding territory, functioning independently from other states.

Multinational state

a sovereign state that is home to multiple nationalities or ethnic groups, each with distinct cultural identities.

Multistate nation

a cultural or ethnic group that exists across multiple states, sharing a common identity but lacking political unity.

Autonomous/semi-autonomous reigon

a region with a degree of self-governance or independence from central authority, often possessing its own legislative powers while remaining part of a larger state.

Neocolonialism

a form of indirect control or influence by powerful countries over weaker nations, often through economic and cultural pressures rather than direct political control.

Peripheral

areas with less economic and political power compared to core regions, often marginalized in decision-making processes.

Core

the central regions of a country or global economy that hold significant political, economic, and cultural influence, often driving development and decision-making.

Shatterbelt

a region that experiences persistent instability due to conflicts between larger geopolitical forces, often resulting in cultural and political fragmentation.

Choke point

a strategic narrow passageway or route that can be easily closed or obstructed, often critical for trade or military movement.

Strait

a narrow waterway connecting two larger bodies of water, often serving as a strategic passage for maritime navigation.

Boundries

the defined lines or borders that separate political or geographical areas, often influencing governance, culture, and conflict.

Unfortified boundries

boundaries that lack protective measures or military defenses, making them more vulnerable to incursion or conflict.

Median line principle

a method used to establish maritime boundaries by drawing a line equidistant from the nearest points of land of adjacent states, often applied in international law.

Borderland

A region adjacent to a border, often characterized by a mix of cultures and political influences, where interactions between neighboring states can occur.

Frontier

a zone where political and cultural differences are pronounced, often serving as a buffer between states or nations.

Enclave

a territory, or part of one, that is isolated within the boundaries of another state, often with distinct cultural or ethnic identities.

Exclave

A portion of a country's territory separated from the main part and surrounded by foreign territory, often leading to unique cultural and political dynamics.

Political legitimacy

the rightful authority of a government or political system to exercise power, typically based on consent of the governed or adherence to established laws and principles.

Irredentism

the political principle or policy advocating for the restoration of territory previously belonging to a country, often based on ethnic or historical claims.

Province

a distinct territorial unit within a country, often with its own government and administrative responsibilities.

Political processes

the methods and activities through which political power is obtained, exercised, and maintained, including elections, negotiations, and policy-making.

Territoriality

the socio-political practice of asserting control over a defined geographical area, emphasizing the relationship between space and power.

Traditional legitimacy

the right to rule based on established customs, historical practices, and societal acceptance, often seen in monarchies and traditional authorities.

Legal legitimacy

the right to govern based on established laws and legal frameworks, where authority is derived from a legal system and formal procedures.

Charismatic legitimacy

the right to lead stemming from an individual's personal qualities, charisma, and ability to inspire loyalty and devotion among followers.

Performance legitimacy

the right to govern based on the effectiveness and outcomes of leadership or governance, where authority is judged by the ability to deliver on promises and meet the needs of the populace.

Nationalism legitimacy

the right to lead based on the shared identity, culture, and values of a nation, where authority is derived from a collective sense of belonging and national pride.

Religious legitimacy

the right to govern based on religious beliefs, traditions, or divine authority, where leadership is justified through adherence to spiritual principles or theocracy.

International recognition legitimacy

the right to govern based on the acknowledgment and acceptance by other states, where authority is reinforced through diplomatic relations and recognition on the global stage.

Civic nationalism

the form of nationalism that focuses on shared citizenship, civic values, and loyalty to the state, promoting inclusivity and equal rights regardless of ethnic or cultural background.

Ethnic nationalism

a form of nationalism that prioritizes shared ethnicity, culture, and heritage as the basis for national identity, often emphasizing a common ancestry and language.

Decolonization

the process by which colonies gain independence from colonial powers, often involving political, social, and economic changes to establish self-governance.

Geopolitical theories

frameworks analyzing the effects of geography on international politics and relations, often considering power dynamics between states.

Heartland theory

a geopolitical theory proposed by Halford Mackinder, suggesting that the nation that controls Eastern Europe controls the world. It emphasizes the strategic importance of the heartland region in global power dynamics.

Rimland theory

a geopolitical theory that emphasizes the strategic importance of the coastal fringes of Eurasia, positing that control of these areas is key to global power.

Organic theory

a geopolitical theory by Friedrich Ratzel that suggests nations are like living organisms, requiring space to grow and thrive, which justifies territorial expansion.

Domino theory

theory suggesting that the spread of communism in one nation could trigger a chain reaction in neighboring countries, leading to a broader regional influence.

Sub-national units

administrative divisions within a country, such as states, provinces, or regions, that have a degree of autonomy and governance.

Unitary state

a form of government where power is concentrated in a central authority, with little or no delegation to sub-national units.

Federal state

a form of government where power is divided between a central authority and sub-national units, allowing for autonomy in various regions.

Democracy government

a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives.

Authoritarian government

a political system characterized by the concentration of power in a single authority or ruling party, often limiting individual freedoms and democratic processes.

Hybrid/illiberal democracy

a system that includes elements of both democratic and authoritarian governance, where elections occur but civil liberties and political rights are often restricted.

Monorachy

a form of government where a single person rules as monarch, such as a king or queen, often hereditary in nature.

Theocracy

a form of government in which religious leaders control the government, and the state's legal system is based on religious law.

Rule of law

the principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to the law, ensuring fairness in the application of justice.

Constitution

a document that outlines the fundamental principles and structures of a government, including the rights of citizens.

Law of the sea

an international legal framework governing maritime affairs, including navigation, territorial waters, and ocean resources.

Devolution

the transfer of power and authority from a central government to regional or local governments, allowing for greater autonomy and self-governance.

Supernationalism

an ideological commitment to the unification and cooperation of 3 or more nations, often resulting in shared governance or common policies.

Nationalism

the political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often prioritizing national identity and sovereignty.