Global Politics - Power - Unit 1

Question 1

Soft Power

Answer 1

“[Soft power] is the ability to get what you want through attraction rather than coercion or payment. It arises from the attractiveness of a country’s culture, political ideals, and policies….

Question 2

Why is soft power effective?

Answer 2

…When you can get others to admire your ideals and to want what you want, you do not have to spend as much on sticks and carrots to move them in your direction.
Seduction is always more effective than coercion, and many values like democracy, human rights, and individual opportunities are deeply seductive.”
Joseph Nye, Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics

Question 3

Military Power

Answer 3

Easy to measure – total defence spending, total number of military personnel and equipment.

Question 4

Economic Power

Answer 4

Again, easy to measure.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
GDP per capita
Economic growth %
World trade %

The basis for other resources.
Public services
Military

Question 5

Social/cultural/charisma

Answer 5

Raises profile of an actor
Perception of importance.
Language etc.
Influences perceptions, ideas and behaviour.
Everyday life, norms.

Question 6

Cyber or technological

Answer 6

Platform and technology for spread of ideas.
Vulnerability to cyber attacks and needs to invest in cyber security

Question 7

Power to

Answer 7

power to bring about an outcome or resist change

Question 8

Power over

Answer 8

the relationship of domination or subordination between groups or individuals

Question 9

Power with

Answer 9

individuals or groups supporting each other to achieve a goal

Question 10

Power within

Answer 10

empowerment

Question 11

Direct violence

Answer 11

Physical force inflicted upon another person.

Question 12

Structural violence

Answer 12

Any human-made structure that prevents someone from achieving their full potential.

Question 13

Cultural violence

Answer 13

The way in which societies legitimize or justify any form of direct or structural violence.

Question 14

Conflict

Answer 14

“A confrontation between one or more parties aspiring toward incompatible or competitive means or ends” (Galtung)

Question 15

Latent and overt conflict

Answer 15

Conflicts can be “latent” (invisible) when there seems to be peace but there is a situation of inequality or oppression. The conflict has not (yet) manifested into an outright clash. When conflicts are visible they are “overt.”

Question 16

Violence

Answer 16

the use of physical force or power, whether threatened or actual, that results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in harm, injury, death, psychological harm, or deprivation. Violence can manifest in many forms, including direct physical violence, structural violence, and cultural violence, each impacting individuals, groups, or states differently.

Question 17

Interstate and Intrastate conflict

Answer 17

Inter (between two or more states), Intra (within the borders of a single state.

Question 18

Non-state conflict

Answer 18

Between non-state parties

Question 19

Violent and Non-Violent conflict

Answer 19

“A violent conflict involves at least two parties using physical force to resolve competing claims or interests” (CGIAR), while a non-violent conflict plays out without the use of physical force.

Question 20

Negative peace

Answer 20

The absence of active and organised violence.

Question 21

Positive peace

Answer 21

A equitable and harmonious society where the causes of conflict are neutralised.

Question 22

What does your definition of peace and conflict depend on?

Answer 22

Position
Interest
Culture
Aims
Contextual Situation
Definition of other terms

Question 23

Equity

Answer 23

Political equality, economic equality and equality before the law

Question 24

Harmony

Answer 24

“A harmonious society is a society in which all individuals works together despite differences or race, ethnicity, class or caste, religion, gender, sexual orientation or age” (Murphy and Gleek, p. 65).

Question 25

Violence

Answer 25

“Physical or psychological harm” (Murphy and Gleek, p. 66).

Question 26

Trauma

Answer 26

“Emotional shock following the streess of conflict or violence” (Murphy and Gleek, p. 66).

Question 27

Actors in Global Politics

Answer 27

Social Movements
Resistance Movements

Question 28

Non-Violence

Answer 28

Nonviolent action is a technique by which people who reject passivity and submission, and who see struggle as essential, can wage their conflict without violence. Nonviolent action is not an attempt to avoid or ignore conflict. It is one response to the problem of how to act effectively in politics, especially how to wield powers effectively.