Theories
In the nuclear arms race during the Cold War, a theory emerged, asserting that any aggressive action by one superpower would result in the total annihilation of both.
What is Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)
Simplification of state behavior that treats each state as a single, cohesive entity with unified goals and interests
What is the unitary actor assumption
This key figure shaped US foreign policy during the early years of the Cold War
George F. Kennan
This grants the Security Council the authority to take measures, including the use of force, to maintain or restore international peace and security
What is UN Chapter VII
This aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
What is the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)
According to this theory, countries with a certain type of governance structure are less likely to go to war with each other
What is the Democratic Peace Theory
In the context of Cold War geopolitics, this strategic doctrine aimed to prevent the expansion of Soviet influence by employing a variety of measures, including military intervention, alliances, and economic aid.
What is containment
This event became a turning point in international relations, leading to significant changes in global security policies and the initiation of the "War on Terror."
9/11
A specific provision that invokes the principle of collective defense, stating that an armed attack against one or more members shall be considered an attack against them all.
What is NATO Article 5
Issued in 1990, this authorized the use of force against Iraq after its invasion of Kuwait.
What is UN Resolution 678
This unwritten norm in international relations suggests a strong aversion to the use of nuclear weapons, even when a country possesses them.
What is the nuclear taboo
In times of national crisis or conflict, there is often a surge in public support and approval for the leaders involved.
What is the rally around the flag effect
This military intervention aimed to eliminate weapons of mass destruction thought to be in possession of a certain Middle Eastern country.
Second Gulf War
Principles of right authority, right intention, reasonable hope, proportionality, and last resort make up this.
Jus ad bellum
This document outlines the freedoms to which all individuals are entitled
Universal declaration of human rights
This strategic concept involves the assurance of protection by a nuclear-armed country to its allies, dissuading potential adversaries from threatening or attacking those allies.
What is extended deterrence
Leaders often face a dual challenge, having to negotiate both with foreign counterparts and with domestic constituents.
What is the two-level game
Series of events and diplomatic maneuvers that included an assassination, ultimatums, miscalculations, and invasions
July Crisis (1914)
Hostilities have ceased, but the underlying issues and tensions that led to the conflict remain unresolved.
Negative peace
This legally binding international treaty allows countries to submit their own nationally determined goals
Paris Agreement
This model of decision-making in international relations says that government actions are the result of the bargaining and competition among various government agencies, each pursuing its interests.
Bureaucratic politics model
In a scenario where there is cooperation and mutual trust, one side still might not be able to uphold their side of the bargain, resulting in failure.
What is involuntary defection.
Factors including sovereignty, immigration, the economy, and anti-establishment politics resulted in this event.
Brexit
Korea, Cuba, Vietnam, Congo, Nicaragua, Chile, Angola, Afghanistan are examples of this.
Proxy war.
Formally known as the Treaty of Friendship, Co-operation and Mutual Assistance, this treaty formally dissolved in 1991
Warsaw Pact