Global Politics - important terms

key terms - related to power and sovereignty

Actors

people who have power to bring about change,

Stakeholders

have no power to take action, however are still impacted by it

State

the most powerful actor in global politics, a set boundary, independent government with different systems, having recognition

Nation

an imagined community —> have a commonality

Nation State

defined territorial area, with the addition of the concept of sovereignty

Diaspora

a large group of people living somewhere that is not their original homeland

Patriotism

the feeling of pride for a country

Democracy

a system in which the government of a country is elected by the people

Power

the ability to influence someone

Sovereignty

control over internal and external affairs

Legitimacy

the right and acceptance of an authority, usually a governing law or a regime

Empire

• no defined territory

• promotes exploitation

• can attack other empires

• focuses on the aspect of colonialism

System

is an organised way to classify or straify in any or every domain

Identity

can be gender, ethnicity, nationality

Secularism

when there is no state religion

Unipolarity

when the majority of the world is dominated by a single state or nation's military and economic power, and social and cultural influence

Polarity

any of the various ways in which power is distributed within the international system

Soft power

the use of attraction and diplomacy to get people to do what you want

Hard Power

the use of coercion and sanctions to get people to do what you want

Smart power

use of technology to maintain authority, also combines factors from hard power and soft power

Hegemony

influence or authority over others, a country can be XXX when it combines all three forms of power. People willingly follow their lead/influence

Globalisation

a term used to describe how trade and technology have made the world into a more connected and interdependent place

Universalism

it is possible to apply generalized norms, values, or concepts to all people and cultures, regardless of the contexts in which they are located

Civil society groups

is any non-profit, voluntary citizens' group which is organized on a local, national or international level.

MNCs

which is incorporated in one country (called the home country); but whose operations extend beyond the home country and which carries on business in other countries (called the host countries) in addition to the home country.

TNCs

are businesses that have a global reach. They are companies that operate (produce and sell) in more than one country.

Utalitarianism

the belief that the right course of action is the one that will give the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people

Autonomy

the right of a person, an organization, a region, etc. to govern or control his/her/its own affairs

Polity

a form or process of civil government or constitution.

Interest groups

use various forms of advocacy or lobbying to influence public opinion and ultimate public policy. They play an important role in the development of political and social systems.

IGO

a group of members (sovereign states, countries) working together on issues of mutual self-interest.

Interdependence

the mutual reliance between and among groups, organisations, geographic areas and/or states on access to resources that sustain living arrangements

Global governance

refers to the systems and institutions of decision-making and cooperation among state and non-state actors that facilitate collective action on global political issues

Hybrid Multilateralism

An approach to Global governance that involves increased participation by non-state and civil society actors and moves beyond simple state-level cooperation