Diplomatic Diction Quiz III

Sovereignty

The full right and power of a state to govern itself without interference from outside forces.

Internal Sovereignty

A state's authority and control over its own territory and population.

External Sovereignty

Recognition by other states of a state's independence and legitimacy.

Contingent Sovereignty

The idea that a state's sovereignty depends on its respect for human rights and international norms.

Indigenous Sovereignty

The inherent authority of Indigenous peoples to govern themselves and maintain their cultural and political systems.

Pooled Sovereignty

When states voluntarily share decision-making authority with supranational organizations (e.g., the EU).

International Legal Sovereignty

Recognition of a state's legal status by other states and international institutions.

Westphalian Sovereignty

The principle that each state has exclusive control over its territory and domestic affairs.

Domestic Sovereignty

A state's ability to exercise control and authority within its borders.

Interdependence Sovereignty

The ability of a state to regulate the flow of people, goods, and information across its borders.

Self-Determination

The right of a people to choose their own political status and form of government.

Mutually Constitutive

The idea that concepts or institutions shape and define each other (e.g., sovereignty and globalization).

Territorial Integrity

The principle that a state's borders should not be violated by other states.

Non-Interference

The norm that states should not interfere in the internal affairs of other states.

Jurisdiction

The legal authority of a state or court to make decisions and enforce laws.

Sovereignty Bargains

The negotiation or trade-off between state autonomy and external cooperation or support.

Supranational Organizations

Institutions whose authority transcends national borders and can make binding decisions (e.g., EU, UN).

Autonomy

The degree of self-government or independence a region or group possesses within a larger state.

Regime

The system or set of rules that determine how power is obtained and used in a state.

Legitimation

The process of justifying or validating authority through public approval or adherence to norms.

Legitimacy

The general belief that a government's authority is rightful and should be obeyed.

Input Legitimacy

Legitimacy based on citizen participation and representation in decision-making.

Output Legitimacy

Legitimacy based on effective policy outcomes that serve the public good.

Authority

The recognized right to make and enforce decisions.

Global Governance

The system of rules, institutions, and processes that manage global issues collectively.

Interdependence

The mutual reliance between states or actors, especially in economics and security.

International Law

A body of rules and principles governing relations between states and international actors.

International Government

The idea of an overarching governing body with authority over multiple states (does not formally exist).

Customary International Law

Laws that develop from consistent state practice and a belief that such practice is legally required.

Opinio Juris

The belief that an action is carried out as a legal obligation under international law.

Ratification

The formal approval of a treaty by a state, making it legally binding.

Vertical Enforcement

Enforcement by a higher authority over states (rare in international law).

Horizontal Enforcement

Enforcement by states holding each other accountable (the norm).

Universal Jurisdiction

The principle that certain crimes (e.g., genocide, piracy) can be prosecuted by any state, regardless of where they occurred.

Acceding to the Treaty

When a state formally agrees to join a treaty after it has been negotiated and signed by others.

Strategic Alliances

Partnerships between states to pursue common goals, often in defense or diplomacy.

Military Alliances

Agreements between states for mutual defense or security (e.g., NATO).

Economic Partnerships

Cooperative economic arrangements to promote trade and development (e.g., NAFTA/USMCA).

Political Agreement

A pact between states to cooperate on governance or diplomatic goals.

Cultural Exchanges

Programs promoting mutual understanding through education, arts, or cultural sharing.

Collective Security

The principle that an attack on one state is considered an attack on all (e.g., UN Charter).

Washington Consensus

A set of free-market economic policies promoting deregulation, privatization, and fiscal discipline.

Bretton Woods Institutions

Post-World War II organizations (IMF, World Bank) promoting global economic stability and growth.

Beijing Consensus

China's model emphasizing state-led development, gradual reform, and respect for sovereignty.

Group of Twenty (G20)

A forum of major economies that coordinate global financial and economic policy.

Group of Seven (G7)

A coalition of seven advanced economies (e.g., U.S., Japan, U.K.) discussing global economic and political issues.

Geopolitical

Relating to the influence of geography and politics on international relations.

Developed States vs. Developing States

Classification based on economic development, industrialization, and quality of life.

Global North vs. Global South

Terms describing wealthier (North) and poorer (South) regions of the world.

Global Fund

An international financing organization focused on combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Less Economically Developed Country (LEDC)

A state with lower levels of income, industrialization, and human development.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Provides financial support and advice to countries facing economic instability.

World Bank

Offers long-term loans and grants for development and poverty reduction projects.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Regulates international trade and resolves trade disputes between countries.

UN Security Council

Maintains international peace and security; can authorize military action and sanctions.

UN General Assembly

Deliberative body where all member states have equal representation and vote on global issues.

UN Secretariat

Administrative arm led by the Secretary-General; carries out day-to-day operations.

UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Coordinates the UN's economic, social, and humanitarian work.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on international law.