Key Terms

Question 1

Sovereignty

Answer 1

Legitimate or widely recognised ability to exercise effective control of a territory within recognised borders.

Question 2

Power

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Hard Power

Answer 3

Refers to power exercised through incentive or coercion to influence the actions of other global actors

Question 4

Soft Power

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Military Power

Answer 5

Refers to the use of a state’s military to exert influence over the actions of other global actors

Question 6

Economic Power

Answer 6

Refers to a state’s ability to influence the actions of other states through finance and trade

Question 7

Political Power

Answer 7

Refers to the use of a state’s internal political machinery to exert influence over the actions of others.

Question 8

Diplomatic Power

Answer 8

Refers to the ability of a state to influence other global actions by way of discussion and negotiation

Question 9

Cultural Power

Answer 9

Refers to a desirable and transportable culture that states can use to achieve ends that might not be achieved through military and political means

Question 10

National Interests

Answer 10

Pursued by states to ensure the survival and potential growth of that state

Question 11

Security

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Idealism

Answer 12

refers to a school of thought in which policy is influenced primarily by an ideological principle, as opposed to practical and pragmatic considerations

Question 13

Pragmatism

Answer 13

A school of thought in which policy is influenced primarily by practical considerations, as opposed to a particular ideology

Question 14

Foreign Policy Instruments (FPIs)

Answer 14

The specific tools employed by a state as part of its foreign policy strategy, in order to fulfil its national interest goals

Question 15

Aid FPI

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Military FPI

Answer 16

Refers to the military capacity of a state, and how this is utilised to achieve its foreign policy objectives

Question 17

Diplomacy FPI

Answer 17

Refers to the ability to conduct effective negotiations between states without arousing hostility

Question 18

Trade FPI

Answer 18

Refers to the manipulation of the exchange of goods, services, labour and capital to influence the actions of another state

Question 19

National Security - National Interest

Answer 19

-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)

Question 20

Economic Prosperity - National Interest

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Why do states pursue economic prosperity?

Answer 21

-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

Question 22

Regional Relationships

Answer 22

-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.

Question 23

International Standing

Answer 23

-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