Global Politics Vocabulary

political issue

any situation or topic that involves how power is distributed and exercised in the real world.

actor

power

the ability to affect change; The ability of an actor to influence others to achieve its own goals, potentially through force, persuasion, or authority.

soft power

Influence derived from attraction and persuasion, rather than coercion (e.g., cultural influence, diplomacy).

hard power

Use of military force or economic pressure to achieve political goals (e.g., military force, sanctions).

structural power

The ability to shape the rules of the system or global norms (e.g., IMF, World Bank influence on global economics).

agency

The capacity of individuals or groups to act independently and make their own choices, often in the context of limited power.

sovereignty

the authority of a state to govern itself or another state; a state's independence and control over its territory. States are expected to govern effectively, make decisions within their borders and control what happens inside their territory.

Westphalian sovereignty

The principle that states are the primary authority in the international system and are not subject to outside interference. Derive from Peace of Westphalia in 1648 after the end of Thirty Year War in Europe.

shared sovereignty

When two or more actors (e.g., governments, international organizations) share control over a territory or issue (e.g., the European Union).

legitimacy

The right of a government or regime to rule, based on public acceptance and recognition, both domestically and internationally.

De Facto Legitimacy

government recognized by the simple fact that it is in actual control of the state

legal rational legitimacy

Based on established legal frameworks or constitutions (e.g., democratic governments).

traditional legitimacy

Based on long-standing traditions, customs, and practices (e.g., monarchies).

charismatic legitimacy

Derived from the personal qualities of a leader (e.g., Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi).

human rights

Basic rights and freedoms that all humans are entitled to, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

A key international document that outlines fundamental human rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948.

civil and political rights

Rights protecting individual freedoms, such as freedom of speech, voting, and the right to a fair trial.

collective rights

Rights held by groups rather than individuals.

individual rights

the rights needed by each individual to pursue their lives and goals without interference from other individuals

right to self-determination

The right of peoples to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

human intervention

The use of force by the international community to protect human rights, typically in response to severe violations like genocide.

development

The process of improving the economic, social, and political well-being of people.

human development

A broader view of development, including access to education, health, and improved living standards (e.g., UN Human Development Index).

economic development

The growth of an economy, often measured by GDP or economic output.

sustainable development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (e.g., UN Sustainable Development Goals).

dependency theory

A theory which argues that underdevelopment in poorer countries is caused by their economic dependence on wealthier countries.

globalization

The process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence between countries, economies, and cultures.

inequality

The unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges across individuals or groups in society.

economic inequality

Disparities in wealth, income, and access to resources.

social inequality

Disparities in access to opportunities and services like education, healthcare, and housing.

Intersectionality

The interconnection of social categories such as race, class, and gender, which can create overlapping systems of disadvantage or privilege.

cultural globalization

The spread of cultural products, ideas, and practices across borders (e.g., global pop culture, social media).

economic globalization

The integration of national economies into the global economy, particularly through trade, investment, and financial markets.

political globalization

The expansion of political relations and governance beyond national borders, often through organizations like the UN or EU.

identity

The sense of self that is shaped by an individual's social, cultural, ethnic, and political background.

international organizations

Institutions established by states or other actors to promote cooperation and address global issues (e.g., United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO)).

Non-governmental Organizations

Private organizations that operate independently of governments to address social, political, and humanitarian issues (e.g., Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders).

multilateralism

The process of multiple countries working together on global issues, often through international organizations (e.g., climate agreements, peacekeeping missions).

actors

Entities that play a role in global politics, influencing or participating in the decision-making process. These can be individuals, groups, organizations, or states.

state

A political entity with a defined territory, population, and government, which holds sovereignty in the international system (e.g., United States, Brazil).

non-state actors

Organizations or individuals that play an influential role in global politics but do not represent a state (e.g., NGOs, multinational corporations (MNCs), social movements).

intergovernmental organizations

Entities established by multiple states or other actors to work on global issues (e.g., United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO)).

Transnational actors

Actors that operate across national boundaries, such as transnational corporations (TNCs), NGOs, or global social movements.

stakeholders

Individuals, groups, or organizations that have an interest in or are affected by a particular issue or decision in global politics.

Multinational Corporations (MNCs):

Large companies that operate in multiple countries, often influencing global economics and politics (e.g., Apple, ExxonMobil).

global governance

The framework of rules, institutions, and practices that regulate international relations and address global challenges (e.g., UN, WTO).

realism

Politics is primarily driven by power and self-interest. States are the most important actors in international relations, and their primary concern is survival and security in an anarchic international system (without a higher authority).

realism key assumptions

anarchy, states as central actors, international relations defined by conflict, ex. Cold War

liberalism

Emphasizes cooperation, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in international relations. International institutions and trade can mitigate conflict and promote peace.

liberalism key assumptions

interdependence, democracy, human rights, economic cooperation

interdependence

refers to the collective dependency of various groups,

organizations, geographical regions, or countries on resources to support their ways of life. (UN, IMF)

constructivism

Ideas, beliefs, and identities shape international relations. Social structures, like norms and values, define state behavior, and actors' interests are shaped by culture, identity, and perceptions.

constructivism key assumptions

social constructions, identities and norms, change over time

Marxism

The global system is defined by economic inequality, and the international order is shaped by the interests of capitalist elites. Class struggle and the distribution of wealth are key to understanding global politics.

Marxism key assumptions

economic class conflict, exploitation, imperialism and colonialism

Post colonialism

Focuses on the impacts of colonialism and imperialism on former colonies, examining how historical power imbalances continue to affect global relations and perpetuate economic, political, and cultural exploitation.

post colonialism key assumptions

colonial legacy, neocolonialism, cultural dominance

environmentalism

Environmental issues, such as climate change, sustainability, and resource management, are central to global politics. It emphasizes the need for global cooperation to address ecological threats that transcend national borders.

environmentalism key assumptions

interconnectedness, sustainability, global justic