Global Politics Key Terms

Flashcards to review key vocabulary and concepts in global politics.

States

Independent political entities with a permanent population, defined borders, a functioning government, and international recognition.

Subnational and local governments

Government institutions operating below the national level, responsible for local issues and services. Ex: Bavarian State Government

Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)

Organizations formed by states through treaties to work on shared goals across borders. Ex: United Nations, EU, World Food Programme

Organized civil society (including non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Non-state, non-profit groups representing shared interests or values, often advocating for rights or services. Ex: Amnesty International, Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders.

Private actors/companies

For-profit businesses that can influence politics through lobbying, investment, or global operations. Ex: Google (data privacy), Shell (climate policy), Pfizer (healthcare access).

Social movements

Large, often informal groups demanding social or political change through collective action. Ex: Fridays for Future, #MeToo, Arab Spring protests

Resistance movements

Movements that challenge existing power, occupation, or injustice—sometimes through protest or armed struggle.

Political parties

Organizations seeking political power through elections, promoting specific ideologies and policies. Ex: Labour Party (UK), BJP (India), Democratic Party (USA)

Interest and pressure groups

Groups aiming to influence government decisions and public policy without contesting elections. Example: Greenpeace (environment), National Rifle Association (NRA) (gun rights).

Political leaders

Individuals in key political roles who shape policy and decision-making. Ex: Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron, Jacinda Ardern.

Formal and informal political forums

Spaces where political dialogue and decisions occur—official or unofficial. Ex: United Nations General Assembly (formal)

The media

Platforms that gather and distribute news, influencing public opinion and political awareness. Ex: CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, Instagram news influencers

Definition of Power

The ability to effect change and, rather than being viewed as a unitary or independent force, is as an aspect of relations among people functioning within a social organization.

Hard Power

Power achieved through coercion or force, such as military action or economic sanctions.

Soft Power

Influencing others through attraction, culture, or values rather than force.

Smart Power

A strategic mix of hard and soft power to achieve goals effectively.

Structural Power

Power embedded in global systems and institutions that shape how the world works.

Relational Power

Power that depends on one actor’s ability to influence another in a specific relationship.

Economic Power

Power through control of wealth, trade, or financial tools.

Political Power

The ability to influence or direct actors' actions, beliefs, or conduct.

Social Power

Power rooted in norms, identity, or community influence.

Cultural Power

Power through the global spread of language, media, and lifestyle.

Power To

The ability or agency to act or bring about change.

Power Over

Domination or control over others' actions.

Power with

Collective or cooperative power to act together.

Traditional sovereignty

The principle of a state's absolute sovereignty over external and internal affairs.

Popular sovereignty

The idea that state sovereignty is derived from popular consent which delegates its power to the government.

Pooled Sovereignty

When a state gives up some influence in internal or external affairs to achieve greater benefits.

Responsible Sovereignty

How responsible a state is for the well-being of its citizens and if it is incapable of ensuring it or is actively endangering it.

Indigenous Sovereignty

Indigenous groups have long campaigned for recognition of their rights to their environment, way of life, and knowledge systems.

Titular sovereignty

The theoretical awarding of sovereign powers, without actual application.

Internal Sovereignty

The domestic context of a state - Internal Sovereignty comes from how well a state can control its territory and how free the state is to perform its actions.

External Sovereignty

How independently it can make its actions on a global scale - It is based on the principle of international anarchy, with no higher authority than the state, and only voluntary agreements between states.

Legitimacy

The perception of the authority or rightfulness of political actors and structures.

Rational-Legal Legitimacy

Derived from the legality of an actor.

Traditional Legitimacy

Originates from the customs and traditions that have been established.

Charismatic Legitimacy

Derived from the perceived superior qualities of the leader. Applies to state and non-state actors.

Democratic backsliding

When a state starts to decline in the quality of democracy within the country. An example of a country exercising democratic backsliding is Hugo Chávez in Venezuela elected leaders have subverted democratic institutions.

Demagogue

A political figure who rises by appealing to popular prejudices rather than rational discourse. Examples are Henry Ford, Huey Long, Joseph McCarthy, and George Wallace.

Autocrat

A ruler who holds absolute power, typically without being constrained by laws, constitutions, or other social and political factors within the state while still maintaining the title of a “democracy” Autocrats often centralize authority and limit democratic freedoms to maintain control.

International Law

A set of rules and agreements that govern relations between states, and increasingly, individuals.

General Assembly (GA)

The main deliberative body of the UN. All 193 member states are represented equally (1 vote per country).

Security Council (UNSC)

Responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

Realism

States are self-interested and compete for power in an anarchic world.

Liberalism

Cooperation is possible through institutions and shared norms.

Constructivism

Global politics is shaped by ideas, identities, and social norms.

Marxism / Critical Theories

Global politics reflects class struggles and economic inequality.

Feminism

Global politics is gendered; women and marginalized groups are often excluded.