Head Start: Power, sovereignty and international relations Flashcards
Power
In relation to politics, power is, at its simplest, in relation to an individual or organisation achieving its desired goals or outcomes. This may involve one political actor persuading or coercing another actor into helping them achieve their desired outcome.
Hard Power
A coercive strategy employed to achieve a political aim. This will involve a State A forcing a State B to achieve what it wants. State B will most often be aware of this coercion as well as the fact that it is less powerful than the State A.
Soft Power
A power gaining strategy involving the use of persuasion or influence to achieve its political aims. This may involve a State A persuading a State B to do as it wishes regardless of whether the State B is aware of what State A wants.
Smart Power
This classification of power involves a combination of both soft and hard power to achieve the desired outcome.
State
A centralised political organisation that imposes and enforces rules over a population.
Political actor
An individual or group who have obtained or attracted some level or political influence or authority.
Sovereignty
A legitimate or widely recognised ability to exercise effective control of a territory within recognised borders.
Multinational
Operating in more than one country.
Democratic/democracy
A government system in which the population chooses who governs them through free and fair elections.
Intergovernmental
Between or involving governments of different countries.
Intergovernmental organisations
Between or involving governments of different countries
Military alliance
a relationship or cooperation between states that are committed to using their armed forces in supporting similar military objectives.
Sanctions
Official orders or laws stopping trade or communication with another state, as a way of forcing its leaders to make political changes.
Annexation
Taking control of a country or area next to your own, especially by using force.
