Key Concepts Flashcards
Power
The ability of one global actor to influence the actions of another global actor. Power can be exercised in a range of types and forms.
Sovereignty
Legitimate or widely recognised ability to exercise effective control of a territory within recognised borders. Primary organizing principle of global politics which provides states with the authority to represent their territorial entity within the international community. State sovereignty can be challenged internally (for example, secessionist groups) or externally (for example, one state invades another).
Legitimacy
Political legitimacy is the popular acceptance of authority. It is considered to be the basic condition for government, without which it will collapse. Sometimes it only takes a small-influential elite to render a nation legitimate despite the regime being unpopular (syria).
Globalization
Acceleration and intensification of exchanges of goods, services, labor and capital which promote global interdependence. These have been facilitated by rapid changes in communication and technology. Has widespread impacts on social, political, economic and cultural life.
Conflict
The dynamic process of actual or perceived opposition between individuals, groups or countries. This could be opposition over positions, interests or values. Most theorists would distinguish between nonviolent and violent conflict. In this distinction, non-violent conflict can be a useful mechanism for social change and transformation, while violent conflict is harmful and asks for conflict resolution.
Violence
Often defined as physical or psychological force inflicted upon another being. In the context of global politics it could be seen as anything man-made that prevents someone from reaching their full potential (e.g. structural violence). This broader definition would encompass unequal distribution of power and discriminatory practices that exclude entire groups of people from accessing certain resources.
Interdependence
For global politics, the concept of interdependence most often refers to the mutual reliance between and among groups, organizations, areas and states for access to goods and services that sustain living arrangements. Often, this mutual reliance is economic (such as trade), but can also have a security dimension (such as defense arrangements) and, increasingly, a sustainability dimension (such as environmental treaties). Globalization has increased interdependence, while often changing the relationships of power among the various actors engaged in global politics.
Development
A sustained increase in the standard of living in a society.
Inequality
A state of affairs where equality between people or groups is not realized and the consequent potential compromises of justice and liberty. Inequality often manifests itself through unequal access to resources that are needed to sustain life and develop individuals or communities.
Sustainability
Ensuring that present actions to improve the lives of human beings and the environment should endure for future generations.
Justice
The concept of fair treatment, usually based on an agreed and accepted set of laws that are applied equally, universally and with the right to a fair trial. Usually delivered through rule of law, a key feature of an effective and fair justice system.
Liberty
About the freedom of individuals to live a life without excessive interference from those in power, and with the freedom to flourish and make the most opportunities. Predominantly negative rights (first-generation) like civil and political ones that protect individuals’ liberty from the state.
Human Rights
The indivisible rights which all human beings are entitled to by virtue of their humanity, without discrimination.
Equality
The idea that people are treated the same, without discrimination, and are allowed to enjoy the same opportunities. Predominantly positive rights (second-generation) which emphasize the economic, social and cultural rights that allow citizens to flourish within the state. Aimed at delivering equality of opportunity for each citizen.
Peace
The absence of violence or conflict, sometimes underpinned by a level of deeper harmony and equity. Can be divided into negative and positive peace. The former refers to merely the absence of active, organized violence by both state and non-state groups. Positive peace looks more deeply at what helps sustain peace beyond simply reducing or stopping violence. It is possible to identify a deeper level of harmony in society, where the causes of conflict themselves are neutralized.
