Intro to Global Politics & Political Theory: Vocabulary List

Political Actors

People, organizations, or groups that have the power to influence political issues or bring about change. Example: The United States government acts as a political actor when it creates foreign policy.

Stakeholders

People or groups who are affected by a political issue, even if they are not directly involved in changing it. Example: Residents affected by a city's decision to replace aging water pipes are stakeholders.

State

A political entity with a permanent population, defined territory, government, legal system, and sovereignty. Example: Brazil is a state with its own government, territory, population and legal system.

Nation-State

A state where the people within it largely share a common national or cultural identity. Example: Iceland is an example of a nation-state.

Government

The institutions and people that run a state and make and enforce political decisions and laws. Example: The government of India makes and enforces national laws and policies.

Political Parties

Organized groups of people with similar political ideas that seek to gain or maintain political power. Example: India's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress compete for political power.

Political Leaders

Individuals who are in charge of a government or political group and make political decisions. Example: A prime minister can lead a national government and make major political decisions.

Civil Society

Organizations and groups outside of government that work toward common goals or try to improve society. Example: Local food banks and community charities provide services to people in need.

Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs)

Organizations made up of two or more states that cooperate on shared political issues, usually through agreements or treaties. Example: The World Health Organization (WHO) allows states to cooperate on international health issues.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Usually independent, non-profit organizations that work to help people or address issues such as human rights and development. Example: Amnesty International works internationally on human rights issues.

Private Actor

A person or organization outside government that can still influence politics or society. Example: Bill Gates is a private actor who uses philanthropy to influence global health and development.

Social Movements

Groups of people who share a common concern and want to change society, attitudes, or behavior. Example: Black Lives Matter is a social movement focused on racial justice and changes in society.

Resistance Movements

Groups that seek change by directly challenging government policies, laws, or leadership. Example: Iranian women protesting compulsory hijab laws have directly challenged government policies.

Interest Groups

Formally organized groups that try to influence public policy without necessarily trying to become the government. Example: The American Medical Association advocates for policies affecting healthcare and medicine.

Political Forums

Meetings or spaces where political actors discuss, debate, and exchange different views about political issues. Example: The United Nations General Assembly provides a forum where states discuss international issues.

Media

Print, television, online news, and social media that communicate information and can influence political opinions and issues. Example: The New York Times can shape public discussion by reporting on political events and policies.

Realism

The belief that states are the most important actors, the international system is anarchic, and states mainly compete for power, security and survival. Example: China's military buildup in the Indo-Pacific can be analyzed through realism because security and power are central concerns.

Neorealism

Also called structural realism. It argues that states behave competitively mainly because the international system is anarchic, not simply because humans are naturally selfish. Example: Finland joining NATO can be analyzed through neorealism as a state responding to changes in its security environment.

Liberalism

The belief that cooperation, interdependence, democracy and international institutions are important in global politics. Non-state actors also matter. Example: Countries cooperating through the European Union demonstrates how states can work together through international institutions.

Neoliberalism

A view that emphasizes free markets, trade, economic openness and limited government intervention, while generally supporting international economic cooperation. Example: The reduction of trade barriers under the USMCA reflects an emphasis on freer international trade.

Constructivism

The idea that global politics is shaped by ideas, beliefs, identities, norms and social relationships, not only physical power. Example: The changing international acceptance of same-sex marriage can be examined through constructivism because social norms have changed political attitudes and policies.

Critical Theory

The approach that questions traditional theories and existing power structures, asking who benefits from the way the global system works. Example: Criticism of unequal voting power in the IMF can be examined using critical theory.

Feminist Theory

Examines how gender and patriarchy affect global politics and highlights the ways women and other marginalized groups have been excluded from political power. Example: The underrepresentation of women in peace negotiations can be analyzed using feminist theory.

Marxist Theory

Focuses on economic class, capitalism and inequality, arguing that powerful economic groups often benefit at the expense of less powerful groups. Example: The working conditions of garment workers in global supply chains can be examined through Marxist theory.

Postcolonial Theory

Examines how colonialism and imperialism continue to shape global politics, including inequalities, race, culture and Western ideas about the world. Example: Debates over removing colonial-era monuments can be examined through postcolonial theory.