POLITICS- U2

State

The central actor in global politics. States possess a permanent population, defined territory and recognised sovereignty. Eg. Australia

Citizenship

Membership of a community that requires certain rights, privileges and responsibilities. Most commonly referred to as the membership of a state, such as an Australian citizen

Global citizen

The idea that we belong to a world community more so than any arbitrary country based on where we were born. It is the underlying belief behind cosmopolitanism, the idea that we should act globally by making alliances and choices which benefit all of humanity

Globalisation

The acceleration and intensification of exchanges of goods, services, labour and capital, which promote global interdependence. These have been facilitated by rapid changes in communication and technology

Environmentalism

Concern about and action aimed at protecting the environment

Power

The ability to achieve desired ends despite resistance from others

Multilateralism

A system of coordinating relations between three or more states, usually in pursuit of objectives in particular areas

Global community

People, states and non-state actors being connected through shared rights and responsibilities in an interdependent world

National interests

The most vital objectives a state pursues to ensure the survival and potential growth of that state. States implement policies and types of power to achieve their national interests and maintain state sovereignty

Unilateralism

Action or decisions taken by one state involved in an issue

Realism

The political theory that a state functions only to increase its power and to pursue its national interests in the national and/or global arena

Cosmopolitanism

The theory behind global cooperation that promotes the idea that we live in a global community and that global cooperation is necessary and advantageous to solving problems and advancing humanity

Global actors

The various entities that play a role in the global political arena including: states, IGOs, TNCs and non-state actors

Non-state actors

Individuals or groups who have power to influence change but are not members of any particular state. Eg. The United Nations

Instability

Situations of political change in policies, regimes or governments, or through violence and upheaval

Global cooperation

States working together to deal with global issues

Crisis diplomacy

Global actors conducting negotiations to manage global crises

Hard power

The use of military and economic means to influence the actions of other global actors in a coercive way

Soft power

The use of diplomatic and cultural means to influence the actions of global actors. It is cooperative rather than coercive

Trans-National Corporation (TNC)

A company whose operations and investments extend beyond the boundaries of the state in which it is registered

Inter-Governmental Organisation (IGO)

An organisation comprised primarily of states, established by a treaty and therefore subject to international law

Tariffs

Taxes on imported goods, rendering them more expensive in comparison to local goods. Their purpose is, usually, to bolster local industries who may not be able to compete on quality or price