diplomatic diction quiz

Sovereignty

The supreme authority of a state to govern itself without outside interference.

Internal Sovereignty

A state’s control and authority within its own borders (making and enforcing laws at home).

External Sovereignty

The recognition by other states that a country is independent and self-governing.

Contingent

Depending on or conditional upon something else; not absolute.

Indigenous

Native to a particular region; originating naturally in a specific place.

Pooled Sovereignty

When states share or give up some authority to a larger organization (like the EU) for mutual benefit.

International Legal Sovereignty

Recognition of a state as independent and equal under international law.

Westphalian Sovereignty

The principle that each state has exclusive control over its own territory and domestic affairs (from the 1648 Peace of Westphalia).

Domestic Sovereignty

The actual ability of a government to maintain control and enforce authority inside its borders.

Interdependence

A mutual reliance between countries or actors, often through trade, economics, or global cooperation.

Self-Determination

The right of people to decide their own political status and form of government.

Mutually Constitutive

When two things shape or define each other (e.g., states and global systems).

Territorial Integrity

The principle that states’ borders should not be violated or changed by other states.

Non-Interference

The idea that states should not get involved in the internal affairs of other states.

Jurisdiction

The legal power or authority to make and enforce laws within a specific area.

Sovereignty Bargains

Trade-offs where states limit or share their sovereignty in exchange for benefits like security, aid, or membership in organizations.

Supranational Organizations

Institutions with authority above individual states (e.g., the European Union, United Nations).

Autonomy

The ability to govern oneself or make independent decisions.

Regime

A set of rules, norms, or institutions that shape how power and governance operate; can refer to a specific government or international system.

Legitimation

The process of making something appear justified or rightful.

Legitimacy

The general belief that a government or authority has the right to rule.

Input Legitimacy

Legitimacy based on participation or consent (e.g., elections, representation).

Output Legitimacy

Legitimacy based on performance or results (e.g., effective governance, successful policies).

Authority

The recognized right to make and enforce decisions.

Global Governance

The system of international rules, institutions, and practices used to manage global issues collectively.

International Law

A set of rules and agreements that govern relations between states and other international actors.

International

Involving or existing between two or more countries.

Government

The system or people with authority to govern a country or state.

Customary International Law

Unwritten international rules that develop from consistent state practice accepted as legally binding.

Opinio Juris

The belief that a certain practice is carried out because it is required by law, not just tradition.

Ratification

The formal approval of a treaty, making it legally binding.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Enforcement

Vertical Enforcement: When higher authorities enforce laws on states; Horizontal Enforcement: When states hold one another accountable.

Universal Jurisdiction

The principle that some crimes can be prosecuted by any country, regardless of where they occurred.

Acceding to a Treaty

When a country joins a treaty after it has already been signed by others, agreeing to its terms.

Strategic Alliances

Partnerships formed to achieve common goals, often in security, trade, or diplomacy.

Military Alliances

Agreements between states for mutual defense or cooperation in war (e.g., NATO).

Economic Partnerships

Agreements that promote trade, investment, and shared economic growth.

Political Agreements

Deals or arrangements where states coordinate political actions or policies.

Cultural Exchanges

Programs that promote mutual understanding through arts, education, or cultural sharing.

Collective Security

The concept that an attack on one is an attack on all; states work together to maintain peace.

Washington Consensus

A set of free-market economic reforms promoted by Western institutions.

Bretton Woods Institutions

The IMF and World Bank, created after WWII to stabilize the global economy and promote development.

Beijing Consensus

China’s development model emphasizing state-led growth, gradual reform, and non-interference.

Group of Twenty (G20)

A forum of 19 major economies plus the EU that coordinates global economic and financial policies.

Group of Seven (G7)

A group of major developed nations that discuss global economic and political issues.

Geopolitical

Related to how geography affects power, politics, and international relations.

Developed States vs. Developing States

Developed: Wealthy, industrialized nations; Developing: Lower-income nations still building their economies.

Global North vs. Global South

A general divide between richer, industrialized countries (North) and poorer, less developed ones (South).

Global Fund

An international partnership that finances programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Less Economically Developed Country (LEDC)

A country with lower industrialization, income, and living standards compared to developed countries.

Security Council

Maintains international peace and security; can authorize sanctions or military action; 15 members (5 permanent).

General Assembly

Main forum where all member states have equal votes; discusses and recommends action on global issues.

Secretariat

Carries out daily operations of the UN; led by the Secretary-General.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Coordinates the UN’s economic, social, and humanitarian efforts.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Settles legal disputes between states under international law.