Section II Flashcards
Realism
Pessimistic about the possibility of perpetual peace and cooperation
Classical Realism
Individual LOA, human nature arguments about wanting power, control, and/or to dominate others
Structural Realism/Neoliberalism
International LOA, all states exist in an anarchic realm where they can only rely on themselves. States try to balance their power against others to ensure their security
National Security
The protection of a country’s citizens, economy, and institutions.
International Security
Military and diplomatic measures that nations and international organizations take to ensure mutual safety and security
Anarchy
There is no higher world government/authority, each state is able to make their own decisions
Hierarchy
A system where some states hold significantly more power and authority over others
Security Dilemma
One state makes actions to increase their security which makes other states feel threatened and subsequently increase their own security in response
Power/Capabilities
The ability or potential to get another actor to do what it would not otherwise have done. Often based on certain characteristics of a state (size, income, military)
Fungibility
An element of power that can be converted into another (ex. money can buy other capabilites)
Tangibility
A physical capability (tank)
Balance of Power
The general concept of the power of one or more states being used to balance that of another state or group of states.
Polarity (unipolarity, bipolarity, multipolarity)
The number of great powers in the system. One or two or three or more powers
Great Powers
States with significant military, economic, and diplomatic strength, allowing them to exert major influence on a global scale and shape international politics
Middle Powers
A nation that is not considered a superpower or great power, but still holds significant influence and plays a notable role in global affairs
Weak States
States which fail to fully meet the needs of their citizens
North Atlantic Treaty Organizations (NATO)
A military alliance of countries in Europe and North America to secure peace and security
Warsaw Pact
Created in 1955, a military alliance between the USSR and Eastern European countries
Nonaligned movement
A movement of developing countries, initially led by India and Yugoslavia, that attempted to stand apart from the U.S.-Soviet rivalry during the Cold War and not support either side
Bush Doctrine
Policy adopted in 2001 that asserts America’s right to attack any nation that has weapons of mass destruction that might be used against U.S. interests at home or abroad.
Idealism
Optimistic about perpetual peace and cooperation
Liberalism
Incremental progress over time due to human nature
Collective Security
The formation of a broad alliance of most major actors in an international system for the purpose of jointly opposing aggression by any actor
Relative Gains
A state’s concern about how much better off it is compared to other states