Polarity and Global North/South Concepts in the Post-Cold War International System

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts of polarity (unipolar, bipolar, multipolar), hegemonic power, global leadership, and the Global North/Global South framework as presented in the INTS 303 lecture notes.

Polarity

The distribution of power among states in the international system at any given time, typically described by the number of power blocs (unipolar, bipolar, multipolar).

Unipolarity

A system with one state that holds most of the cultural, economic, and military influence (a hegemon), though not absolute control.

Hegemony

Dominant influence or leadership of one state in world politics, shaping norms and outcomes without exercising total control.

Superpower

A nation with exceptionally high economic and military power and global influence, driving international leadership and conflict resolution.

Bipolar system

A distribution of power where two states dominate, often forming opposing coalitions (e.g., USA vs. USSR during the Cold War).

Multipolar system

Power distributed among three or more major states with shifting alliances and no single dominant pole.

Power projection

The ability of a state to deploy and sustain military power across the globe.

Great power

A state with substantial military, economic, and political influence capable of shaping international outcomes.

Balance of power

A realist concept where states act to prevent any one state from dominating; other states adjust their behavior to maintain or restore balance.

Concert of Europe

A 19th-century multipolar arrangement among major powers aimed at maintaining peace through diplomacy and balance of power.

Global North

Developed economies located primarily in the northern hemisphere, characterized by high GDP, advanced infrastructure, and stability.

Global South

Developing economies mostly in the southern hemisphere facing lower incomes and structural development challenges.

Third World

Historical term for developing countries; largely superseded by ‘Global South’ in contemporary usage.

Gulf War (1990-1991)

US-led coalition operation that expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait, illustrating coalition-based intervention under US leadership.

War on Terror

US-led global campaign against terrorism launched after 9/11, encompassing interventions in Afghanistan and beyond.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons; cited in contexts like Iraq to justify interventions and security concerns.

Nuclear weapons program

State initiatives to develop or expand nuclear weapons capabilities; examples include North Korea and Iran and the international responses they provoked.

Hybrid polarity models (Uni-multipolarity)

A proposed mix of unipolar and multipolar features, a middle-ground view of global power distribution.

Hybrid polarity models (Bi-multipolarity)

A proposed model with two major centers plus additional poles, reflecting complex inter-state power dynamics.