Key Terms Flashcards
Sovereignty
Legitimate or widely recognised ability to exercise effective control of a territory within recognised borders.
Power
Refers to the ability of one global actor to influence the actions of another
Hard Power
Refers to power exercised through incentive or coercion to influence the actions of other global actors
Soft Power
Refers to the ability of one global actor to shape the actions of other global actors via attraction, with the absence of incentive or coercion.
Military Power
Refers to the use of a state’s military to exert influence over the actions of other global actors
Economic Power
Refers to a state’s ability to influence the actions of other states through finance and trade
Political Power
Refers to the use of a state’s internal political machinery to exert influence over the actions of others.
Diplomatic Power
Refers to the ability of a state to influence other global actions by way of discussion and negotiation
Cultural Power
Refers to a desirable and transportable culture that states can use to achieve ends that might not be achieved through military and political means
National Interests
Pursued by states to ensure the survival and potential growth of that state
Security
Refers to the protection of a state’s borders from intruders and the maintenance of sovereignty, most commonly achieved through the use of military power
Idealism
refers to a school of thought in which policy is influenced primarily by an ideological principle, as opposed to practical and pragmatic considerations
Pragmatism
A school of thought in which policy is influenced primarily by practical considerations, as opposed to a particular ideology
Foreign Policy Instruments (FPIs)
The specific tools employed by a state as part of its foreign policy strategy, in order to fulfil its national interest goals
Aid FPI
Refers to the provisions of assistance, predominantly monetary, to global actors with the intention of influencing their decisions and actions in order to achieve a specific aim
Military FPI
Refers to the military capacity of a state, and how this is utilised to achieve its foreign policy objectives
Diplomacy FPI
Refers to the ability to conduct effective negotiations between states without arousing hostility
Trade FPI
Refers to the manipulation of the exchange of goods, services, labour and capital to influence the actions of another state
National Security - National Interest
-To ensure it maintains sovereignty
-Refers to the protection of a state’s border from intruders but has evolved to include other forms of security (resource, environmental security)
Economic Prosperity - National Interest
Key indicators
-GDP (gross domestic product)
-GDP per capita
-Pursued by signing FTAs, encouraging FDI, ensuring wages are consistent with inflation, investment into infrastructure etc
Why do states pursue economic prosperity?
-Important to a state as it indicates whether it can weather international economic instability and protect and build the wealth and welfare of its citizens
Regional Relationships
-Represents the associations and affairs that a state has with its nearest neighbours
-+ve 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.
International Standing
-Refers to a state’s reputation within the broader international community.
-Depends largely on its conduct in global affairs and its willingness to uphold prevailing international norms
