Unit 4 - Power and states

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.