Category 1
This central concept in global politics is often defined as the ability to effect change.
Power
This term characterizes a state's independence, its control over territory, and its ability to govern itself.
Sovereignty
These are the four "key concepts" that weave a conceptual thread through the entire course.
Power, Sovereignty, Legitimacy, and Interdependence
This concept refers to the mutual reliance between groups or states, often regarding resources or security.
Interdependence
This is an actor or action that is commonly considered "acceptable" to a population, providing a rationale for governance
Legitimacy
These organizations, such as the UN or WTO, are formed by states to facilitate global cooperation
Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)
These actors include groups that may not have the agency to act but are directly affected by political issues
Stakeholders
This specific type of private actor often has significant political influence through global trade networks.
Multinational Corporations (MNCs) or Transnational Corporations (TNCs)
Examples of these include the European Union (EU) or the African Union (AU)
Regional Organizations
These groups, like Amnesty International, operate independently of governments to advocate for specific issues
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
This type of power relies on coercion, such as military intervention or economic sanctions.
Hard Power
Joseph Nye's term for the "power of persuasion," often involving cultural influence or ideology.
Soft Power
This is the effective combination of both hard and soft power to achieve specific political aims.
Smart Power
This classification of power is tied to the positions held within a system, such as a seat on the UN Security Council.
Structural Power
This refers to power derived from alliances and collective movements.
Relational Power
This foundational document outlines the general structure, roles, and functions of the United Nations.
UN Charter
This UN body has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
Security Council
This term describes the difference between national law and the various treaties and customs that regulate international behavior.
International Law
This specific UN program is focused on promoting human development and addressing poverty globally.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
This concept distinguishes between the formal "government" of a state and the broader cooperative processes used to manage global issues.
Global Governance
This theoretical perspective emphasizes state interest, military power, and the competitive nature of global politics.
Realism
These modern theoretical approaches include feminism, postcolonialism, and social constructivism.
Critical theories
This theoretical perspective focuses on the importance of international organizations, law, and cooperation.
Liberalism
This historical conception of state sovereignty focuses on a state's exclusive right to govern its own territory without outside interference.
Westphalian Sovereignty
While often defined as a state's control over territory, some theorists argue this concept is being eroded by borderless communication and trade, while others argue it remains the primary way states exercise their national interest.
Sovereignty