key terms u3 aos 2

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. State sovereignty can be challenged internally (for example, secessionist groups) or externally (for example, one state invades another).

Question 2

national interests

Answer 2

The national interests of a state are pursued to ensure the survival and potential growth of that state. States implement policies and types of power to achieve their national interests and maintain state sovereignty.

Question 3

power

Answer 3

Refers to the ability of one global actor to influence the actions of another global actor. Power can be exercised in a range of types.

An example is

Question 4

security

Answer 4

Traditionally this term 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. It has now evolved to include softer forms of security, such as access to resources and the protection of the environment.

an example is the persecution of the Uyghur population, with China stating that its done to combat rising ‘islamic extremism’ in China

Question 5

idealism

Answer 5

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

an example would be China in the South China Sea to maintaining its ‘historical right’ over the territory

Question 6

pragmatism + example

Answer 6

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

an example would be China invading the South China Sea for its resources