Key terminology

Question 1

acculturation

Answer 1

A process of cultural change which takes place when two cultures meet, this means the transfer of dominant cultures to subordinate cultures.

Question 2

Arab spring

Answer 2

A pro-human rights, pro-democracy movement of protests which occurred in Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, and Iran. Most governments got overthrown, however, protracted instability ensued from the uprising.

Question 3

Bi-polar

Answer 3

A world with two dominant superpowers.

Question 4

Blue water navy

Answer 4

A navy which can be deployed into the deep ocean. E.g., ocean-going ships.

Question 5

Brand value / equity

Answer 5

The value of a brand measured by using metrics such as market share, customer opinion, or brand reliability.

Question 6

Capitalism

Answer 6

A system whereby trade and industry are owned by private investors and players, rather than the government.

Question 7

Cold War

Answer 7

A time of political tension between the USA and the USSR, leading political powers in the world from 1945-1990.

Question 8

Colonialism

Answer 8

The acquisition of territory or land by a political power, and the subsequent settlement of that territory.

Question 9

culture

Answer 9

The beliefs, customs, traditions, and behaviours of a group of people.

Question 10

dependency

Answer 10

The progress of a developing country is based on its economic, cultural, and political forces which are controlled by developed countries.

Question 11

diplomacy

Answer 11

the international decision-making and negotiation which takes place concerning international relations and treaties.

Question 12

direct control

Answer 12

control using hard power. ‘Colonialism’

Question 13

economic restructuring

Answer 13

changing of one economic-based sector (Primary employment) to another economic-based sector (Secondary employment)

Question 14

emerging power

Answer 14

A nation which is rapidly growing in it economy, and therefore can exert more international influence.

Question 15

exclusive economic zone

Answer 15

a border of 200 nautical miles beyond a country where it can exert its laws. Any water beyond this becomes ‘international waters’.

Question 16

free trade

Answer 16

the free movement of goods and commodities with no taxes, tariffs, or quotas on trade internationally.

Question 17

geopolitical

Answer 17

referring to the geographical factors which influence international relations.

Question 18

geostrategy

Answer 18

strategy to deal with geopolitical issues.

Question 19

hard power

Answer 19

power through force or coersion

Question 20

hegemony

Answer 20

leadership or dominance, especially be one state or organisation.

Question 21

hyperpower

Answer 21

a superpower which is unchallenged and flourishing in all aspects os power.

Question 22

ideology

Answer 22

a set of beliefs, values, and opinions held by the majority of people in a society. ‘Western Beliefs’ include free market liberalisation, free speech ,and individual liberty.

Question 23

indirect control

Answer 23

controlling using soft power techniques ‘Neo-colonialism’

Question 24

interdependence

Answer 24

the dependence of two or more nations on each other.

Question 25

IGO’s

Answer 25

Organisations which have global influence due to their members being nation states. They converse and decision-make on issues such as international policy, human-rights, and the free-market.

Question 26

The middle class

Answer 26

This is a global middle class which have discretionary money they can afford to spend on more than necessities. They are usually defined as people who earn above £10,000 annually.

Question 27

Modernisation theory

Answer 27

A theory of used to explain the growth and dominance of the British Empire and the USA suggesting that sufficient investment in developing nations would stimulate economic change.

Question 28

multi-polar

Answer 28

a world with a multitude of superpowers.

Question 29

neo-colonialism

Answer 29

a tactic of using political, cultural, and economic strategies to exert control over a region.

Question 30

neoliberalism

Answer 30

A belief that free market trade and the transfer of government-based industry to private investors is key to progression.

Question 31

nutrition transition

Answer 31

The change of a more carbohydrate-based diet to a more fat-based and protein, as well as more processed foods.

Question 32

regional power

Answer 32

a state or nation which can exert power over continental regions, not global regions.

Question 33

sanctions

Answer 33

a way of forcing negotiations between countries without military force. This can be:
- Economic: Banning trade between countries.
- diplomatic: Ordering staff at embassy home
- military: Banning weapons trade.

Question 34

‘soft’ power

Answer 34

power through persuasion or favour.

Question 35

sphere of influence

Answer 35

a region where a powerful country can exert its influence.

Question 36

superpower

Answer 36

a state which can exert large influence globally.

Question 37

uni-polar

Answer 37

A world where there is one dominant superpower.

Question 38

Westernisation

Answer 38

The Western spread of beliefs, practises, and ideas.

Question 39

World systems theory

Answer 39

A theory which splits the world into three regions, core region, periphery region, and semi-periphery region.