Basics
International Studies
An interdisciplinary approach to studying global issues
World Bank
An interational organization responsible for providing financial assistance and advice to countries to facilitate economic development and eliminate poverty
Bilateral Diplomacy
Diplomacy between two nations
Cold War
1947-1991 political and ideological struggle between USA and USSR; no direct war was ever fought between these two countries
Disciplines that are part of the ITS
History, Geography, Anthropology, Economics, Political Science
IMF
An international organization that provides financial assistance to nations with financial problems and monitors the global financial system, observing changes in currency exchange rates and national balances of payments
Multilateral Diplomacy
Diplomacy between multiple nations
First, Second, Third world
Older and now biased terms to refer to most and least developed nations. The First World is US-aligned capitalist countries, the Second World is Soviet-aligned communist nations, and the Third World is non-aligned, often developing, nations.
Globalization
Growing interdependence of the world’s economies, cultures, and populations, created by cross-border trade and flows
GATT/WTO
World Trade Organization - International organization responsible for negotiating, monitoring, and regulating international trade agreements. It's goal is to help producers of goods and services conduct business without fear of trade restrictions and government intervention.
NGO's
Non-governmental organizations - Often non-profit, voluntary, and mission-driven groups operating independently from government control to address social, environmental, or political issues.
Bipolar World
Two main powers: USA and USSR
Trends of the post-World War II era
US leadership, Soviet challenge, end of colonialism, the world’s increasing interconnections
UN
An international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states, dedicated to maintaining international peace, security, and human rights.
Developing vs. Developed countries
Differences in GDP, income, infrastructure, and living conditions
Nuclear Club
United States, Russia, China, France, United Kingdom. India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel
Nonaligned Movement
Group of 120 developing nations who were not aligned with the US or Soviet groups during the cold war