Key Terms

Question 1

Sovereignty

Answer 1

Legitimate or widely recognised ability to exercise effective control of a territory…
Within recognised borders…
This is the primary organising principle of global politics…
Providing states with the authority to represent their territorial entity within the international community.

Question 2

Power

Answer 2

Refers to the ability of one global actor to influence the actions of another global actor.

Question 3

National Interests

Answer 3

The national interests of a state are pursued to ensure…
The survival…
And potential growth of that state.

Question 4

Economic Prosperity

Answer 4

Economic prosperity is important to a state as…
It indicates whether a state can weather international economic instability…
As well as protects and builds the wealth and welfare of its citizens.

Question 5

Regional Relationships

Answer 5

Regional relationships are an important national interest to a state as…
They ensure its neighbours will not behave in a hostile manner and thus threaten state sovereignty.

Question 6

International Standing

Answer 6

The international standing of a state is an important national interest as…
It influences the power a state has in global politics.
Other national interests impact on international standing as well as a state’s role and recognition in intergovernmental organisations and as a proponent of international law.

Question 7

Idealism

Answer 7

Refers to a school of thought in which policy is influenced primarily by an…
Ideological principle, as opposed to…
Practical and pragmatic considerations.

Question 8

Pragmatism

Answer 8

A school of thought in which policy is influenced primarily by…
Practical considerations, as opposed to…
An ideology.

Question 9

Political power

Answer 9

Refers to the use of a state’s internal political machinery to exert influence over the actions of others.
For example, legislation, executive orders, white papers.