Global Politics HL

Unit 1: Power, Sovereignty, Legitimacy, and Interdependence

Capability Power

Capability power often refers to military strength or force. It’s the ability to make someone to do, or not do something.

Relational Power

Relational Power is the study of relationships between two or more countries. Power is often used to compel or deter a country from doing something, which is done through their relationship. It’s also relative to the perception a country has, relative to other countries.

Structural Power

The way that power (like authority, wealth, and other privileges) is arranged in order to influence the norms of society, institutions, and our interpersonal relationships. Four main structures: knowledge, financial, security, production.

Hard Power

The use of military and economic means to influence other bodies to do or not do something.

Soft Power

The ability to shape preferences and actions through persuasion, cultural influence, and diplomatic relations, relying on attraction rather than coercion.

Hegemony

Political, economic, and military predominance of one state over another, happening on a regional or global scale.

Non-state Actor

Influential organizations that are not controlled nor affiliated with the government.

NGO

Organizations that are not with the government. Non-profit and for-profit.

MNC

Businesses that operate in two or more countries. Their purpose is profit and they are private, so separate from the government.

Social Movement

A form of collective action within civil society. There are three types: reactionary, meaning they resist a perceived change, progressive, meaning they want change or reform, or violent, meaning they use means of hard power to get their way.

Resistance Movement

A form of social movement, but to resist state authority.