Global Politics and the United Nations Flashcards
the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.
It refers to the activities, processes, and principles involved in the governance of a community, state, or nation.
It encompasses the struggle for power, the formation of policies, the allocation of resources, and the resolution of conflicts within a society.
It encompasses the ideologies, beliefs, and values that guide decision-making and influence the distribution of authority and resources in a society.
Politics
Itis a fundamental concept in political philosophy that seeks to explain the origins and basis of legitimate political authority and the relationship between individuals and the government.
Social Contract Theories
- Social contract theories
individuals exist without government or societal order. In this state, individuals have natural rights and are free to pursue their own interests.
State of Nature
- The central idea is that individuals voluntarily come together and agree to form a political community or government. This agreement is seen as a hypothetical or historical event where people give up certain natural rights in exchange for the protection of other rights and the establishment of order.
Social Contract
derives from the consent of the governed. In other words, the government’s authority is based on the agreement or contract made by the people.
This concept contrasts with theories that rely on divine right or conquest as the basis for government legitimacy.
Legitimacy of Government
- The primary purpose of the government, according to social contract theory, is to protect the rights and interests of individuals. These rights typically include life, liberty, and property, though the specific rights can vary depending on the philosopher and the theory.
Protection of Rights
in his work “Leviathan,” portrayed the state of nature as chaotic and brutal, where life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
He argued that individuals entered into a social contract to escape this state of nature, creating a strong, centralized government (the Leviathan) to maintain order and protect their lives.
Thomas Hobbes
He emphasizedthe protection of natural rights, including life, liberty, and property.
He believed that individuals entered into a social contract to secure these rights and that the government’s legitimacy depended on its ability to protect them.
His ideas greatly influenced the formation of democratic governments.
John Locke
In his theory, outlined in “The Social Contract,” emphasized the importance of the general will and the collective sovereignty of the people.
He believed that individuals should enter into a social contract to create a government that expresses the general will and serves the common good.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
It refers to the ability to influence or control the behavior, decisions, and actions of others or to shape the course of events.
It is a fundamental concept in politics and is often wielded by individuals, groups, or institutions within a society.
It can be exercised through various means, including political authority, economic resources, military force, social influence, and persuasion.
Power
It is the formal institution or system through which a society or a political entity exercises authority and control over its members or citizens.
It is responsible for creating and enforcing laws, regulations, and policies that govern the behavior and interactions of individuals and groups within its jurisdiction.
Government
It refers to the process and structure by which organizations, institutions, or entities make decisions, implement policies, and exercise authority and control over their operations.
Governance
Elements of Governance:
-Governance involves the formulation and execution of decisions that guide an organization’s actions and policies. This includes setting objectives, defining strategies, and determining resource allocation.
Decision-Making
-Governance structures establish who has the authority to make decisions and who is accountable for the outcomes of those decisions. In government, for example, elected officials are granted authority by the people and are accountable through elections.
Authority and Accountability
ensure that information is readily available to stakeholders and the public.
helps build trust, allows for informed decision-making, and reduces the potential for corruption or misconduct.
Transparency
-Governance systems often rely on established legal frameworks and regulations to ensure that decisions are made within a lawful and fair context.
helps protect individual rights and maintain social order.
Rule of Law
-Many governance systems incorporate mechanisms for checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power. For example, in a democratic government, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches often have distinct roles and can provide oversight over each other.
Checks and Balances
-Governance requires clear mechanisms for holding individuals and entities accountable for their actions. This can involve audits, performance evaluations, legal proceedings, or other accountability measures.
Accountability
-Inclusive governance encourages the participation of diverse stakeholders, ensuring that decisions take into account the interests and perspectives of various groups. This is particularly important in democratic systems.
Participation
-Effective governance aims to achieve desired outcomes efficiently. This involves optimizing resource allocation and monitoring performance to ensure that goals are met.
Efficiency and Effectiveness