International Relations Exam #2 - Study Guide

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance established for collective defense.

Collective Defense

The principle under NATO that an attack against one member is an attack against all.

Diplomatic Endgame

A strategy focused on achieving a ceasefire and negotiations to resolve conflicts.

Ukraine

A country involved in an ongoing conflict with Russia, receiving support from NATO.

Russian Expansionism

The policy of expanding Russia's influence and territory, often challenged by NATO.

Grey Zone

An area between NATO territory and Russia where conflicts and tensions may occur.

Permanent Neutrality

A state’s policy to remain uninvolved in military conflicts and avoid alliances.

EU Membership

Formal inclusion of a state into the European Union, enhancing its political alliances.

Bipartisan Support

Agreement from both major political parties, often seen in the context of aiding Ukraine.

Public Good

A product or service that is available for all individuals to consume, regardless of who pays for it.

Humanitarian Intervention

The act of states intervening in another state to prevent human rights violations.

Responsibility to Protect (R2P)

An international norm that holds states accountable for protecting their populations from mass atrocity crimes.

Refugee

A person who flees their country due to persecution or conflict.

Civil War

An armed conflict between factions within the same country, often involving the government and non-state actors.

Genocide

The intentional destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.

Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

An international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)

A military strategy in which full-scale use of nuclear weapons would lead to the annihilation of both the attacker and defender.

Security Dilemma

A situation where actions taken by a state to increase its security cause reactions from other states, increasing tensions.

Democratic Peace Theory

The theory suggesting that democracies are less likely to engage in conflict with one another.

Public Health Successes

Improvements in health outcomes due to increased foreign aid and effective programs combating diseases.

Nuclear Proliferation

The spread of nuclear weapons and technology to states that do not already possess them.

Causes of Civil Wars

Factors such as ethnic tensions, political inequality, and economic instability that can lead to internal armed conflicts.

Environmental Security

The concept linking environmental degradation to national and global security, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices.

Democratic Peace Theory Arguments

Arguments suggesting that democracies are less likely to go to war with each other due to shared norms and institutional constraints.

Nuclear Deterrence

A strategy aimed at dissuading adversaries from launching a first strike by threatening devastating retaliatory action.

Ethnic Conflict

Disputes arising from ethnic differences, often leading to violence and civil war.

Resource Curse

The paradox where countries rich in natural resources often experience less economic growth and worse development outcomes.

Armed Non-State Actors

Groups that use armed violence but are not the official military of a state, often involved in civil wars.

Collective Security

An arrangement where states agree to respond collectively to aggression against any member.