Definitions: U4 AOS 2

Question 1

Crisis Dilomacy

Answer 1

Negotiations between actors in the global political arena in response to a crisis. It most commonly concerns conflicts and natural disasters, but also economic and health crises.

E.g. CD can be seen in the 2008 Georgia - Russia War, when French President Nicolas Sarkozy brokered a ‘six-point peace plan’ on August 12 2008, which acted as a ceasefire agreement in the 5-day conflict that saw 386 fatalities.

Question 2

International Co-operation

Answer 2

When global actors work together to achieve common ideals and goals.

E.g. The United Nations is a prime example of an IGG that facilitates IC, as evidenced by UNSCRs 1970 & 1973 which respectively imposed economic sanctions on Libya and a no-fly zone protecting the citizens of Benghazi from the authoritarian Gaddafi regime.

Question 3

Utility of Violence

Answer 3

The use of violence as a means of achieving one’s political objectives. The violence is purposeful and organised, and is commonly witnessed through interstate wars such as the 2001 US Invasion of Afghanistan. Traditionally perceived as an instrument of state power, violence and threatened acts of violence are increasingly utilised by terrorist groups such as ISIS, as a means of achieving their objectives.

Question 4

Just War Tradition

Answer 4

A set of guidelines for determining and judging whether and when a state may have recourse to war and how it may fight that war. It is concerned with applying moral limits to state’s recourse to war and to limiting harm that states can commit through three parts:

• jus ad bellum: just recourse in war -> self-defence
• jus in bello: just behaviour in war -> immunity for civilians
• jus post bellum: justice after war

E.g. jus ad bellum is illustrated in the 2001 US Invasion of Afghanistan, as the US felt their invasion was justified in order to protect their citizens and democratic values following the September 11 terrorist attacks (conducted by al-Qaeda) in which 3000 US civilians were killed

Question 5

Asymmetrical Warfare

Answer 5

A situation in which opposing groups/nations in a conflict have unequal military resources, leading the ‘weaker’ side to use unconventional tactics and terrorism to exploit the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the opposing side

E.g. In the 2001 US Invasion of Afghanistan in order to combat the US’ advantage as a result of RMA. The Taliban conducted roadside bombings and suicide attacks which cumulatively caused 80% of the casualties in 2008.

Question 6

Sustainability

Answer 6

Most commonly used in relation to development policies, sustainability seeks to organise states and their economies so that current needs are met whilst not jeopardising the needs in the future. It advocates for maintenance of ecosystems and biodiversity as well the sustainable use of resources.

E.g. Sustainability can be seen in the EU’s binding legislation on car emission targets which obliges manufacturers to ensure that by 2020, their car fleet does not emit more than an average of 95g.