Intro - Actors Flashcards
International Relations
Field of world study
Globalization
Dramatic expansion of cross-border flows
Puzzles
Observations about the world that demand the explanation
Theory
A logically consistent set of statements that explain an area of interest
Probabilistic Claim
An argument about the factors that a particular outcome will occur
Interests
Goals that actors have, the outcomes they hope to achieve through political action
Interactions
Ways in which two or more actors choices combine to create political action
Institutions
Sets of rules, known and shared by the relevant community, that structure political action (UN)
Realism
The states are dominant actors over the intl. level, and the institutional setting of the world is characterized by anarchy
Liberalism
Many different types of actors at the world political level; heavy on democracy
Constructivism
Roots in the critical theory and sociology; wide actor variety and interests; care about image (right/just)
State
An entity that has a monopoly of violence over specified territory
Sovereignty
States have ultimate authority within bounds of territory
Westphallian System
States are supreme and are only important intl. actors; Originates in 1684 with Peace of Westphallia
Non-westphallian System
Multinational corporations, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, transnational advocacy networks
Power
Ability to get an actor to do something it ordinarily wouldn’t
Coercion
Force or threat of force or adverse consequences
Zero-Sum
Only one actor can win
Self-help System
Power maximization that leads to security dilemmas
Variable-Sum
States self interest is better satisfied through cooperation
Game-theory
A tool for analyzing strategic interactions
Equilibrium
An outcome that arises from each side choosing the best response to the other
Collective Action Problems
Want a group of people to do something, but problems arise because of it
Nations
Group that desires self-governance through an independent state
Nation-State
When a nation gains territory
PGM
Armed group that has a link to government but exists outside of or parallel to the regular security apparatus
Semiofficial PGM
Formal and official link to the government
Informal PGM
No formalized link to the state
Local PGM
Compromises armed civilians, recruited, stationed, and active within their communities
Territorial Contenders
Political organizations governing populations within areas they enjoy exclusive territorial control but lack diplomatic recognition
