Power and Politics
What did Max Weber argue gives political authority its legitimacy in modern states?
Weber said legitimacy comes from three types of authority: traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational authority. Modern states mostly rely on legal-rational authority, rule by law and institutions.
Which principle of the UN Charter directly challenges the idea of external sovereignty?
The principle of human rights protection challenges absolute soverignty, it allows international intervention in cases like genocide or crimes against humanity.
What form of legitimacy might a monarchy rely on, according to Max Weber's typology?
Traditional legitimacy. Authority accepted because it’s rooted in long-standing costumes and traditions.
What was Edwards Said’s main critique of Western representations of non-Western societies?
In Orientalism, Said argued that the West stereotypes the East as inferior, using culture to justify imperialism and power imbalances.
What’s one example of how interest groups shape domestic or foreign policy?
Environmental groups like Greenpeace lobbying for climate policy reforms or influencing international agreements.
Give an example of how power-over differs from power-to in a real world political situation.
“Power-over” is coercive (e.g., China censoring information to control citizens), while “power-to” is enabling (e.g., governments empowering citizens through education or healthcare).
How do NGOs influence global governance without having formal political authority?
NGOs use advocacy, research, and public campaigns to pressure governments and institutions.
Ex. Amnesty International influencing human rights policies.
Why might political leaders prioritize legitimacy over legality in maintaining power?
Without legitimacy(public trust or acceptance), even legal authority can collapse. For instance, leaders may use populism to sustain legitimacy when laws are unpopular.
How does structural realism explain state behavior different from liberal theories?
Structural realism sees states as self-interested actors seeking survival in an anarchic system, liberals emphasize cooperation and institutions.
How might indigenous peoples challenge the dominant global political structure?
By asserting sovereignty and environmental rights.
Ex. Indigenous groups resisting resource extraction projects or advocating at the UN.
How did Joseph Nye redefine global power in the 21st century?
Nye introduced soft power, the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or payment.
In what ways has globalization complicated the traditional understanding of sovereignty?
Economic and technological interdependence means states cant act entirely independently. Multinational cooperations, trade agreements, and digital borders all limit sovereignty.
Compare how traditional legitimacy and charismatic legitimacy might operate in modern politics.
Traditional legitimacy relies on custom, while charismatic legitimacy depends on personal appeal.
In interpretive theories, what roles does meaning play in understanding global political actions?
Interpretive theories focus on how actors’ identities, beliefs, and meanings shape their behavior, not just material interests.
How do social media platforms act as global political actors?
Social Media platforms lead to bias of other actors on geopolitical issues and views on other political actors which leads to sways in opinions on a global front.
What might structural power be more influential than military power in shaping global outcomes?
Structural power (like controlling global trade or finance systems) can shape outcomes more deeply.
Ex. The U.S. influence over the World Bank or IMF often affects countries’ policies more than direct military action.
Give an example of how interdependence can limit state sovereignty.
The EU’s economic interdependence means members can’t freely set monetary policy.
In what ways do right-wing movements challenge liberal conceptions of legitimacy?
They may reject liberal democratic norms, emphasizing nationalism, cultural identity, or populist “will of the people” instead of institutional legitimacy.
How does Edward Said's concept of Orientalism influence a state’s foreign policy?
It may encourage critical reflection on cultural bias. Avoiding paternalistic or “civilizing” missions in Middle Eastern policy.
What makes NGOs powerful in shaping humanitarian responses compared to states?
They can act faster, operate across borders, and mobilize global public support.
How does the concept of power conversion help explain a state’s ability to turn cultural influence into political outcomes?
Power conversion explains how resources (like culture, tech, or economy) are transformed into influence.
ex. South Korea's global K-pop wave boasting its diplomatic and economic reputation
How does global governance differ from traditional government in terms of accountability and legitimacy?
Global governance lacks a central authority. Decisions are made by multiple actors (states, IGOs, NGOs), making accountability weaker and legitimacy debated.
How can media narratives strengthen or undermine a leader’s political legitimacy?
Positive media portrayal can build credibility, while misinformation or scandals can erode legitimacy.
How would a structural realist interpret the actions of small states in global governance institutions?
They’d argue small states act pragmatically within power constraints, aligning with powerful states or institutions for protection and influence.
In what ways can media campaigns alter global power dynamics or shift international norms?
The media can redefine issues and influence governments.
Ex. Global outrage over George Floyd;’s murder driving international human rights discussions.