diplomatic diction quiz
1. Sovereignty – The supreme authority of a state to govern itself without outside interference.
2. Internal Sovereignty – A state’s control and authority within its own borders (making and enforcing laws at home).
3. External Sovereignty – The recognition by other states that a country is independent and self-governing.
4. Contingent – Depending on or conditional upon something else; not absolute.
5. Indigenous – Native to a particular region; originating naturally in a specific place.
6. Pooled Sovereignty – When states share or give up some authority to a larger organization (like the EU) for mutual benefit.
7. International Legal Sovereignty – Recognition of a state as independent and equal under international law.
8. Westphalian Sovereignty – The principle that each state has exclusive control over its own territory and domestic affairs (from the 1648 Peace of Westphalia).
9. Domestic Sovereignty – The actual ability of a government to maintain control and enforce authority inside its borders.
10. Interdependence – A mutual reliance between countries or actors, often through trade, economics, or global cooperation.
11. Self-Determination – The right of people to decide their own political status and form of government.
12. Mutually Constitutive – When two things shape or define each other (e.g., states and global systems).
13. Territorial Integrity – The principle that states’ borders should not be violated or changed by other states.
14. Non-Interference – The idea that states should not get involved in the internal affairs of other states.
15. Jurisdiction – The legal power or authority to make and enforce laws within a specific area.
16. Sovereignty Bargains – Trade-offs where states limit or share their sovereignty in exchange for benefits like security, aid, or membership in organizations.
17. Supranational Organizations – Institutions with authority above individual states (e.g., the European Union, United Nations).
18. Autonomy – The ability to govern oneself or make independent decisions.
19. Regime – A set of rules, norms, or institutions that shape how power and governance operate; can refer to a specific government or international system.
20. Legitimation – The process of making something appear justified or rightful.
21. Legitimacy – The general belief that a government or authority has the right to rule.
22. Input Legitimacy – Legitimacy based on participation or consent (e.g., elections, representation).
23. Output Legitimacy – Legitimacy based on performance or results (e.g., effective governance, successful policies).
24. Authority – The recognized right to make and enforce decisions.
25. Global Governance – The system of international rules, institutions, and practices used to manage global issues collectively.
26. International Law – A set of rules and agreements that govern relations between states and other international actors.
27. International – Involving or existing between two or more countries.
INTERNATIONAL LAW & GLOBAL RELATIONS
28. Government – The system or people with authority to govern a country or state.
29. Customary International Law – Unwritten international rules that develop from consistent state practice accepted as legally binding.
30. Opinio Juris – The belief that a certain practice is carried out because it is required by law, not just tradition.
31. Ratification – The formal approval of a treaty, making it legally binding.
32. Vertical vs. Horizontal Enforcement
Vertical Enforcement: When higher authorities (like international courts or organizations) enforce laws on states.
Horizontal Enforcement: When states hold one another accountable under international law.
33. Universal Jurisdiction – The principle that some crimes (like genocide or war crimes) can be prosecuted by any country, regardless of where they occurred.
34. Acceding to a Treaty – When a country joins a treaty after it has already been signed by others, agreeing to its terms.
ALLIANCES, PARTNERSHIPS, & GLOBAL RELATIONSHIPS
35. Strategic Alliances – Partnerships formed to achieve common goals, often in security, trade, or diplomacy.
36. Military Alliances – Agreements between states for mutual defense or cooperation in war (e.g., NATO).
37. Economic Partnerships – Agreements that promote trade, investment, and shared economic growth.
38. Political Agreements – Deals or arrangements where states coordinate political actions or policies.
39. Cultural Exchanges – Programs that promote mutual understanding through arts, education, or cultural sharing.
40. Collective Security – The concept that an attack on one is an attack on all; states work together to maintain peace.
GLOBAL ECONOMIC SYSTEMS & GROUPS
41. Washington Consensus – A set of free-market economic reforms promoted by Western institutions (focus on privatization, deregulation, and trade liberalization).
42. Bretton Woods Institutions – The IMF and World Bank, created after WWII to stabilize the global economy and promote development.
43. Beijing Consensus – China’s development model emphasizing state-led growth, gradual reform, and non-interference.
44. Group of Twenty (G20) – A forum of 19 major economies plus the EU that coordinates global economic and financial policies.
45. Group of Seven (G7) – A group of major developed nations (U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan) that discuss global economic and political issues.
46. Geopolitical – Related to how geography affects power, politics, and international relations.
47. Developed States vs. Developing States –
Developed: Wealthy, industrialized nations with strong economies.
Developing: Lower-income nations still building their economies and infrastructure.
48. Global North vs. Global South – A general divide between richer, industrialized countries (North) and poorer, less developed ones (South).
49. Global Fund – An international partnership that finances programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
50. Less Economically Developed Country (LEDC) – A country with lower industrialization, income, and living standards compared to developed countries.
MAJOR INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Provides loans and advice to countries facing financial crises.
Works to maintain global monetary stability.
World Bank
Offers long-term loans and grants to reduce poverty and build infrastructure in developing countries.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
Regulates international trade rules, settles trade disputes, and promotes free trade.
UNITED NATIONS: MAIN ORGANS & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Security Council – Maintains international peace and security; can authorize sanctions or military action; 15 members (5 permanent with veto power).
2. General Assembly – Main forum where all 193 member states have equal votes; discusses and recommends action on global issues.
3. Secretariat – Carries out daily operations of the UN; led by the Secretary-General.
4. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – Coordinates the UN’s economic, social, and humanitarian efforts.
5. International Court of Justice (ICJ) – Settles legal disputes between states under international law.