Unit 4: Key Terms

Question 1

Realism:

Answer 1

Realism refers to the idea that states are central actors in international politics rather than individuals or international organisations and that states desire power so that they can ensure their own self-preservation.

Question 2

Realism example:

Answer 2

Australia’s Operation Sovereign Borders policy is focused of protecting Australia from unlawful entry and terrorism, rather than protecting refugees who are not Australian citizens.

Question 3

Cosmopolitanism:

Answer 3

Cosmopolitanism refers to the idea that all human beings belong to a single community, based on a shared morality.

Question 4

Cosmopolitanism example:

Answer 4

The Universal Declaration of Human rIghts represents a major shift towards a more ‘international society’.

Question 5

Ethics:

Answer 5

Seeks to address questions of morality. This extends to global politics on the basis that a common humanity binds all human beings beyond individual states as a whole, thus necessitating certain actions.

Question 6

Ethics example:

Answer 6

Refers to what a state ‘should do’ rather than what they ‘must do’.

Question 7

Justice:

Answer 7

A concept of moral rightness based on ethics, law, fairness and equity that importantly, also seeks punishment when said ethics are breached.

Question 8

Example:

Answer 8

2012- Congolese Warlord Thomas Lubanga was sentenced to 14 years in prison for war crimes b the International Court of Justice.