Definitions: U4 AOS 1

Question 1

National Interest

Answer 1

An all-embracing concept used to justify policy preferences and actions that includes the goals or objectives of foreign policy. Ultimately boils down to the survival of the state.

E.g. Australia’s national interest of ‘Border Security’ under the former Abbott Government justifies the ‘Stop the boats’ policy adopted.

Question 2

International Society

Answer 2

The highly contentious notion of a ‘society of states’ in which law, order and co-operation (LOC) form the basis of interaction, and that states work towards achieving common ideals and goals.

E.g. International laws (i.e. 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees) are an example of ‘law’ which helps to form the basis of interaction within the GPA.

Question 3

Ethics

Answer 3

A branch of moral philosophy outlining what actors on the global political ought to do rather than what they have done. It is based on the idea that a common humanity binds all humans beyond individuals in states to the world as a whole, thus necessitating certain actions.

E.g. Pursuant to this common humanity, in May 2015 Gambia stated it had a “sacred duty” to take in all 8000 Rohingya left adrift in the Andaman Sea.

Question 4

Justice

Answer 4

A concept of moral righteousness based on ethics that seeks punishment when said ethics are breached. Extends to GP through international systems of justice such as the ICC or ICOJ, which seek to uphold international law and deter future violations.

E.g. In 2014 the Marshall Islands filed a complaint in the ICOJ against India for not pursuing nuclear disarmament and the cessation of the nuclear arms race