Contents and Concepts PDF

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The following vocabulary terms and definitions are taken directly from the "Content and Concepts" glossaries provided for each unit in the source "Attachment_ PDF_ content-and-concepts.pdf".

Unit 1: Power, Sovereignty and International Relations#

  • Actor: An entity capable of taking meaningful action or effecting change at any one of the six levels of analysis.
  • Appeasement: A political policy of conceding to aggression by another nation.
  • Authoritarian state: A state in which political power is concentrated in an institution not accountable to the people.
  • Balance of power: A condition in which no one state predominates, creating equilibrium and curbing hegemonic ambitions.
  • Bilateral: Relations or agreements between two states.
  • Bipolar world order: A global system where power is concentrated around two nations or poles.
  • Bush Doctrine: The doctrine that preemptive military action should be taken against states threatening the USA through WMDs or harboring terrorists.
  • Capitalism: An economic system where the profit motive is the primary motivation, property is private, and a free market determines prices.
  • Collective security: Common defense where states pledge to defend each other on the principle of "all for one and one for all".
  • Colonialism: A state seeking to establish or maintain control over other territories or peoples for economic benefit.
  • Communism: A system where property is publicly owned and people work/are paid according to needs and abilities.
  • Compellence: A tactic designed to force an adversary to make concessions against its will through war or threats.
  • Constitution: Fundamental principles or precedents setting out how a state should be governed.
  • Constitutive theory of statehood: Theory that states are only states because they are recognized as such by other states.
  • Constructivism: A theory emphasizing the socially constructed nature of international relations.
  • Core (North): The economic core of the global system, typically associated with the global north.
  • Credibility: The willingness of countries to carry through with the use of their power and resources.
  • Declarative theory of statehood: Theory that states must meet four criteria: defined territory, permanent population, government, and capacity for international relations.
  • Deterrence: The principle that a state can be discouraged from acting against another due to relative military strength.
  • Democratic state: One in which power resides with the people and is exercised through elected agents.
  • Diplomacy: The process by which states manage their international relations.
  • Environmentalism: A movement seeking to protect the environment through changes to harmful human activity.
  • External sovereignty: When other states acknowledge a state's internal sovereignty.
  • European Commission: The EU institution responsible for proposing legislation and daily business.
  • European Parliament: The primary legislative body of the EU, directly elected by national electorates.
  • European Union: An economic and political union of 28 European countries.
  • Executive: The branch of government responsible for putting policies and laws into practical effect.
  • Failed state: A state in which the government is no longer capable of meeting the basic responsibilities of a sovereign government.
  • Feminism: Advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of sexual equality.
  • Fragile state: A low-income country characterized by weak state legitimacy and/or capacity.
  • Global governance: Political cooperation among transnational actors to develop solutions for shared problems.
  • Globalization: The increasing interaction of people and states through money, ideas, and culture.
  • Hegemon: A state that has dominance at either a regional or global level.
  • High politics: Aspects of politics related to the very survival of the state, such as security.
  • Humanitarian intervention: Military intervention in another state to end or prevent a humanitarian crisis.
  • Imperialism: The acquisition of territories by a kingdom, empire, or state.
  • Interdependence: The way in which states, organizations, and individuals become increasingly important to the lives of others.
  • Intergovernmental organization (IGO): An organization made up of different national governments, like the UN or NATO.
  • Internal sovereignty: The supreme authority of a state within its territory.
  • Internationalism: Advocacy for greater cooperation between peoples and nations.
  • Interstate war: War between two or more states.
  • Intrastate war: War within a state, also known as a civil war.
  • Judiciary: The branch of government responsible for interpreting policies and laws.
  • Jus ad bellum: Conditions by which it is considered just to go to war.
  • Jus in bellum: Conditions governing just conduct during war.
  • Jus post bellum: Conditions relating to justice after a war concludes.
  • League of Nations: Predecessor to the UN that promoted multilateralism for conflict resolution.
  • Legitimacy: The legitimization of power by the government, related to authority.
  • Legislative: The branch of government responsible for creating laws.
  • Liberalism: Theory emphasizing interdependence between states and other actors.
  • Low politics: Aspects of politics not related to the survival of the state.
  • Mandate: Authority to carry out a course of action given by the electorate during an election.
  • Marxism: Theory viewing capitalism as exploitative based on unequal class relations.
  • Montevideo Convention (1933): Conference that accepted the declarative theory of statehood as customary law.
  • Multilateral: Relations or agreements between more than two states.
  • Multinational corporation (MNC): A business organization operating in more than one state.
  • Multipolar world order: A global system where power is concentrated around more than two nations.
  • Nation: A community sharing common cultural and linguistic traits.
  • Nation-state: A nation inhabiting a defined territory where cultural and political boundaries match.
  • National interest: The interest of a nation as a whole.
  • Nationalism: Political principle based on promoting the interests of a particular nation.
  • Neoconservatism: Advocacy for promoting democracy and national interest through military force.
  • Non-governmental organization (NGO): Organizations independent of government seeking to influence policy.
  • NATO: An organization based on the principle of collective self-defense.
  • Paris Peace Settlements: 1919-20 meetings setting peace terms and reparations after WWI.
  • Periphery (South): States making up the economic periphery of the global system.
  • Polarity: The distribution of power in global politics.
  • Power: The ability to effect change in the world.
  • Power politics: International relations where states protect interests by threatening others with aggression.
  • Prisoner’s dilemma: A game theory example showing why rational individuals might not cooperate even if it is in their interest.
  • Radicalism: Focus on altering social structures through revolutionary means.
  • Ratified: The process by which a state approves a treaty through a domestic legislative process.
  • Rational actor: Actors who aim toward maximizing their own interests.
  • Realism: Theory explaining state behavior based on power and the nature of the international system.
  • Realpolitik: Decision making based on practical considerations rather than moral or ideological bases.
  • Referendum: A vote in which the entire electorate is invited to vote on a single issue.
  • Resolution: A written motion or course of action agreed upon by a legislative body.
  • Responsible sovereignty: Principle that states should protect their people and cooperate to tackle transnational threats.
  • Responsibility to Protect (R2P): Commitment that sovereignty involves a responsibility to protect populations from mass atrocities.
  • Sanctions: Actions taken by states against other states for political reasons.
  • Semi-periphery: Industrializing countries situated between the core and periphery.
  • Separation of powers: Model dividing government into executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
  • Social movement: Informal groupings aimed at carrying out or resisting social change.
  • Socialism: Theory advocating for collective ownership and democratic control of production.
  • Sovereignty: Full right and power of a governing body over itself without outside interference.
  • State: Organized political entity with a permanent population, defined territory, and government.
  • Stateless nation: A community sharing cultural traits not found within one nation-state's boundaries.
  • Structural power: Power to decide how things are done and shape international frameworks.
  • Superpowers: States achieving a hegemonic position in global politics.
  • Supranational: Organizations or principles that transcend national boundaries.
  • Terrorism: Unlawful use of force, especially against civilians, for political aims.
  • Treaty: An agreement under international law entered into by global actors.
  • Treaty of Westphalia (1648): Cited as the starting point for the development of the nation-state.
  • Unilateralism: A state acting alone without reference to others.
  • Unipolar world order: Global system where power is concentrated around one nation.
  • United Nations (UN): IGO aiming to promote international cooperation and maintain order.
  • UN Security Council (UNSC): UN organ responsible for maintaining peace, including five permanent members with veto power.
  • UN General Assembly (UNGA): Primary deliberative organ of the UN where all member states are represented equally.

Unit 2: Human Rights#

  • African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights: Regional instrument to protect freedoms in Africa.
  • African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights: Responsible for oversight and interpretation of the African Charter.
  • Amnesty International: NGO that campaigns for human rights worldwide.
  • Apartheid: A policy or system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination.
  • Asylum: Protection from political persecution granted by a state to an individual.
  • Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam: Declaration asserting rights subject to Islamic (shariah) law.
  • Codification: To transfer ideas into written laws and systems.
  • Convention against Torture (1984): Treaty offering specific definitions and responsibilities for preventing torture.
  • Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989): Treaty setting out rights for human beings under eighteen.
  • Crimes Against Humanity: Systematic murder or inhumane acts committed against civilian populations.
  • Cultural relativism: Principle that beliefs should be understood in terms of one's own culture; argument against universality.
  • Customary international law: Law binding on states through established custom rather than written text.
  • ECOSOC: UN organ responsible for promoting social progress and identifying solutions to economic problems.
  • Equality: Theory that all people or groups have the same intrinsic value.
  • European Convention on Human Rights (1950): First regional human rights agreement.
  • European Court of Human Rights: Regional court upholding the European Convention.
  • First Generation Human Rights: Civil and political rights protecting individual liberty from the state.
  • Genocide: Violent crimes committed with the intent to destroy a national or ethnic group.
  • Humanitarian intervention: Use of military force against a state to end human-rights violations.
  • Human rights: Basic claims and entitlements one possesses by virtue of being human.
  • Human Rights Watch: NGO conducting research and advocacy on human rights.
  • Inalienable: Rights that cannot be taken away or given away.
  • Indivisible: Human rights are of equal importance and cannot be arranged in a hierarchy.
  • Interdependent: Successful protection of one right helps the protection of others.
  • Internally displaced people (IDP): People forced from home who remain within their state's borders.
  • CEDAW (1979): Convention to end discrimination against women and affirming reproductive rights.
  • ICERD (1965): Convention focused on eliminating racial discrimination and hate speech.
  • International Court of Justice (ICJ): Principal judicial organ of the UN for settling legal disputes between states.
  • ICCPR (1966): Treaty committing parties to respect civil and political rights like life and speech.
  • ICESCR (1966): Treaty committing parties to work toward economic, social, and cultural rights.
  • International Criminal Court (ICC): Tribunal formed in 2002 for prosecuting crimes against humanity.
  • International humanitarian law: Rules seeking to limit the effects of armed conflict.
  • Justice: Concept associated with fairness and individuals getting what they deserve.
  • Liberty: Having freedom and autonomy, often divided into positive and negative forms.
  • Negative rights: Rights that do not require intervention, like freedom from torture.
  • Positive rights: Rights protected by authority that require action from others, like education.
  • Progressive realization: UN obligation taking into account available resources to achieve rights over time.
  • Refugees: People fleeing conflict or persecution across international borders.
  • Rome Statute (1998): The treaty that established the International Criminal Court.
  • Second Generation Human Rights: Social and economic rights seeking to provide relief to the needy.
  • Social contract: Idea that individuals give up freedom to an authority for protection of rights.
  • Stateless persons: Someone not considered a national by any state under its law.
  • Third Generation Human Rights: Rights of groups to protect interests, including right to a healthy environment.
  • Universal: Principle that rights should be available to all in equal parts.
  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): Customary law outlining 31 principles of human rights.
  • War crimes: Inhumane acts against civilians, like torture or wanton destruction of property.

Unit 3: Development#

  • Absolute poverty: Severe deprivation of basic needs including food, water, and shelter.
  • Advanced economy: Countries with high GDP/capita and advanced infrastructure.
  • Anthropocene: Proposed epoch dating from significant human impact on Earth’s geology.
  • Asian Tigers: High-growth economies of Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.
  • Bretton Woods (1944): Conference establishing the World Bank and IMF.
  • BRICS: Acronym for major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
  • Circular economy: System where resources are recycled back into new products, encouraging sustainability.
  • Civil society: Social relations and organizations outside of state or government.
  • Commodity: An economic good or service.
  • Conditionality: Attachment of conditions to loans, aid, or debt relief.
  • Copenhagen Accord (2009): Pledges by major economies to reduce emissions.
  • Corruption: Unethical conduct by an authority figure for personal gain.
  • Cultural globalization: Increasing transfer of ideas and values through global interconnectedness.
  • Decolonization: Granting independence and sovereignty to previously colonized nations.
  • Development: Sustained increase in standard of living and well-being.
  • Doha Development Round: WTO trade negotiations to lower global trade barriers.
  • EAGLEs: Emerging and growth-leading economies.
  • Economic development: Development of an economy through industrialization and GDP growth.
  • Economic globalization: Process where national economies are absorbed into a global economy.
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Investment in one country by entities based in another.
  • Gini coefficient: Method of modeling the extent of wealth inequality in a society.
  • Global north and south: Terms for developed and developing countries respectively.
  • Gross National Income (GNI): Value of total domestic and foreign output claimed by residents.
  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Value of all final goods and services produced in a country in one year.
  • Happy Planet Index (HPI): Measures efficiency of resource use to lead long, happy lives.
  • Human Development Index (HDI): Statistic of life expectancy, education, and income per capita.
  • Import substitution model: Policy prioritizing domestic production over imports.
  • Inclusive Wealth Index (IWI): Measures development based on progress, well-being, and sustainability.
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF): Organization fostering global monetary cooperation and financial stability.
  • LEDC: Less economically developed country.
  • MEDC: More economically developed country.
  • Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): Eight targets agreed upon in 2000 to improve lives of the poor.
  • Neoliberalism: Ideology emphasizing free-market economics as the most effective resource allocator.
  • Official Development Assistance (ODA): Government aid designed to promote economic development in developing nations.
  • Paris Agreement (2015): Global action plan to limit global warming within 2 degrees Celsius.
  • Privatization: Transfer of ownership from government to the private sector.
  • Protectionism: Policies restricting international trade to protect domestic jobs.
  • Quality of life: General well-being of individuals, including health and security.
  • Relative poverty: Individuals lacking minimum income to sustain their society's average standard of living.
  • Remittances: Transfers of money from individuals outside their home country to those within it.
  • Structural Adjustment Programme (SAPs): Reforms required for loans from IMF/World Bank.
  • Sustainability: Meeting current needs without compromising future generations.
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 17 "Global Goals" that replaced the MDGs in 2016.
  • Tied aid: Foreign aid that must be spent in a way dictated by the donor.
  • Trade liberalization: Process of removing or reducing barriers on free exchange of goods.
  • Transfer pricing: Methods of pricing transactions between entities under common ownership.
  • World Bank: International financial institution providing loans and advice to developing countries.
  • World Trade Organization (WTO): Intergovernmental organization that regulates international trade.

Unit 4: Peace and Conflict#

  • Amnesty: Official pardon for people convicted of a criminal offense.
  • Appeasement: Foreign policy strategy of making concessions to an aggressor to avoid war.
  • Brinkmanship: Strategy of escalating confrontation even to the point of risking war to make an opponent back down.
  • Chapter 7 (UN Charter): Sets out Security Council powers to maintain peace through military or nonmilitary action.
  • Conflict: Disagreement and competition over power, resources, or identity.
  • Cultural violence: Aspects of a culture used to justify direct or structural violence.
  • Deterrence: Strategy designed to prevent aggression by emphasizing the scale of likely military response.
  • Direct violence: Physical or mental harm brought upon an individual, like assault or war.
  • Equity: Giving everyone what they need to be successful; fairness.
  • Guerrilla war: Irregular troops using mobility and surprise rather than superior firepower.
  • Insurgency: Armed uprising aiming to overthrow the established regime.
  • Mediation: Third-party assistance to help disputants negotiate a settlement.
  • Militarism: Military priorities and values pervading the larger society.
  • Mutually assured destruction (MAD): Condition where a nuclear attack by either state ensures its own destruction.
  • Negative peace: Peace defined as the absence of violence.
  • Nuclear proliferation: The spread of nuclear weapons to more states or actors.
  • Peacebuilding: Process establishing durable peace by addressing root causes of conflict.
  • Peacekeeping: Technique designed to preserve peace when fighting has halted.
  • Peacemaking: Conflict transformation focused on establishing equitable power relationships.
  • Positive peace: Peace defined as the absence of both violence and the causes of violence.
  • Proxy war: War instigated by a major power that does not itself become involved.
  • Restorative justice: Approach personalizing crime by having victims and offenders mediate restitution.
  • Retributive justice: Criminal justice based on punishment rather than rehabilitation.
  • Security dilemma: Actions by a state to heighten its own security causing others to respond similarly, increasing tension.
  • Structural violence: Violence stemming from social structures perpetuating domination or exploitation.
  • Total war: War involving all aspects of society and aiming for unconditional surrender.
  • Transformative justice: Strategy using restorative principles as educational opportunities for the affected community.
  • Truth and reconciliation commission: Body tasked with revealing past wrongdoing to resolve conflict from the past.

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