theme 1: the state and globalisation - keywords

nation state

nation state

autonomous political community held together by citizenship and nationality

nation

a group of people who self-identify as belonging to the same group or community, with a strong sense of unity

state

a specific form of political entity that meets four criteria: a defined territory, a permanent population, a functioning and effective government, and recognition by other nation states

globalisation

the process by which nation states and their citizens become more closely interconnected, challenging the nation state as the principal actor in international relations

interconnectedness

mutual reliance of two or more groups

global governance

a broad and complex process of decision-making at a global level

non-state actors

participants in international relations with significant power and influence that are not states

non-governmental organisations

non-profit-seeking bodies which seek to influence global politics, aiming to advance economic, social, and political causes that empower individuals and communities

economic globalisation

the process through which national economies become more closely connected and reliant on each other through free trade (economic liberalism) and capital investment

political globalisation

the establishment of intergovernmental organisations like the UN which enable nation states to work together and with non-state actors to resolve collective dilemmas

cultural globalisation

the ‘flattening out’ of differences in culture between countries

homogenisation (monoculture)

the coming together of global cultures and development of a single homogeneous culture without diversity or dissension

international law

law which governs the relationship between nation states; nation states are expected to obey international law even if it conflicts with their national interests

soft power

the ability to attract and co-opt and to shape the preferences of others through appeal and attraction