Framing global politics and systems
What is a political actor?
A person, organization or movement that exercises political power or engages in the political process
What is power in global politics?
The ability to effect or produce change.
What is state sovereignty?
The authority of a state to govern itself and control its internal and external affairs
What is legitimacy?
The perception that a political actor or structure has justified or rightful authority.
What is interdependence?
A situation in which political actors depend on one another.
What is a stakeholder?
A political actor that has an interest or stake in a particular political issue.
What is the difference between hard power and soft power?
Hard power uses coercion or force; soft power uses attraction, persuasion or cooperation.
What is traditional sovereignty?
The principle that the state has ultimate authority over its internal and external affairs.
Name one possible source of state legitimacy.
Free and fair elections, public consent, government performance, representation, stability or international recognition.
What is complex interdependence?
A situation in which states are connected through multiple social and political relationships and security or force becomes less dominant.
What is a non-state actor? Give one example
A political actor that is not part of the state; for example, an NGO, social movement or multinational company.
What is smart power?
A strategic combination of hard and soft power.
What is popular sovereignty?
The idea that sovereignty comes from the consent of the people, who delegate power to the government.
What three functions can help a state gain legitimacy according to the Companion?
Protection, provision and participation.
What is one major difference between domestic law and international law?
Domestic law is created and enforced by the state; international law is largely based on agreement between states.
What does power diffusion mean?
The movement of power away from states towards different non-state actors.
What is the difference between structural power and relational power?
Structural power comes from an actor's position within a structure; relational power comes from relationships between actors.
What is the difference between internal and external sovereignty?
Internal sovereignty concerns authority within the state; external sovereignty concerns independence from outside interference.
How is the legitimacy of a non-state actor often assessed?
Through representation, interaction, ability and efficacy.
What are two important sources of international law?
Treaties and customary international law
Why can political structures and institutions affect the power of political actors?
Because rules, norms and institutions can enable, limit or shape what political actors are able to do
A social movement organizes thousands of people to achieve a common political goal. Which concept best describes this: power over, power with, power to or power within? Why?
Power with, because power is created through collective action and cooperation.
How can globalization challenge state sovereignty?
By increasing interdependence and the influence of other states, international organizations, companies and transnational actors on state decisions.
Can an actor have power but lack legitimacy? Explain briefly.
Yes. An actor may have the ability to influence outcomes without being viewed as rightful or justified by relevant stakeholders.
Why is international law generally more difficult to enforce than domestic law?
Because the international system lacks a single central authority with consistent enforcement power over states.