IR 002: Lecture 2 Flashcards
What is a state?
A political entity with territorial borders and political authorities who enjoy sovereignty.
What is the newest state and when was it created?
South Sudan in 2011
What is an example of a state that died?
West and East Germany in 1990
How many UN recognized states are there?
193 UN-recognized states (2 observers)
What is the criteria for the recognition of a state?
-Peoples will (self-determination)
-International Law
-Free will of each nation
-Great power pressures
What is the definition of an IGO?
Inter-Governmental Organizations: Organizations created by three or more governments that are based on a formal agreement and have some permanent secretariat or headquarters
Approximately how many IGO’s exist today?
350
What is the objective of an IGO?
Finding solutions to collective problems
What are examples of IGOs?
-World Health Organization (WHO)
-World Trade Organization (WTO)
-United Nations (UN)
What are non-state actors (transnational actors)?
Groups of private actors who evolve at the sub-state level but across state boundaries in view of pursuing common objectives
What are the main types of non-state actors?
-Multination Corporations. (MNCs)
-Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
-Crime/Terrorist networks (ex.ISIS)
-Individuals
What is an MNC?
Multinational Corporation: Enterprises that manage production or deliver services in at least two countries. The traditional multinational is a private company headquartered in one country and with subsidiaries in others, all operating in accordance with a coordinated global strategy to win market share and achieve cost efficiencies
What is an NGO?
Non-Governmental Organizations: Private international actors whose members are not states, but are volunteers from populations of two or more states who have formed organizations to promote their shared interest and ideals in order to influence the policies of state governments and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)
Approximately how many NGOs exist today?
~40,000
What is an example of how NGOs can effect international relations?
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar. NGOs “shaming” campaign in the media to tarnish Qatar’s reputation because of the working conditions used to build the stadium and facilities
What percentage of the global GDP do international criminal groups provide?
~5%
True or False, all sources of information are perfect?
False
What sources of information can you look at?
-Government Archives
-Statistics
-Newspapers
-Speeches and interviews given by leaders
-Polls
-Former leaders’ memoirs
-Think-tank reports
-NGO reports
-Other IR scholars’ books/articles
What are the limitations of Government documents?
National security restrictions
What are the limitations of speeches?
Overlook/distort/dramatize/lie/etc.
What are the limitations of memoirs?
Self-satisfaction, cover-ups, etc.
What are the limitations of polls?
Biased questions
What are the limitations of press?
Political orientations
Why are international relations scholars and experts rarely completely objective?
-Country of origin
-Political/religious convictions
-Academic discipline/training
-The period in which they wrote
-Career concerns
-Funding
-Proximity to the government
