The G7 is notable for the exclusion of China and as a body that represents the West..
enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya in 2011). This is closely related to the creation of a global commons. Soft Power The use of persuasion (rather than force) in order to exert influence over other actors, convincing other states to want the same ends as ones own state. Neofunctionalism A theoretical blueprint for regional integration based upon the logic of spillover. They are typically considered universal and can be the basis for humanitarian intervention. Beijing Consensus The political and economic policies adopted by China following the free-market reforms instigated by Deng Xiaoping. It is also characterised by an attempt to deal with rogue states and to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. G20 An international forum of the most advanced economies in the world, the EU and representatives from the IMF and World Bank.
Failed states often provide a haven for terrorist organisations and other extremist groups.
Nation-Building The construction of national identity via the agents of the state. Actors therefore determine their actions on the basis of absolute rather than relative gains. The term Cosmocracy may be contrasted with global governance in which a quasi-system of governance operates. Predatory Hegemon Where the global hegemon adopts an aggressive pursuit of their own national interest(s) and disregards their obligations towards the international community. For instance, the international tribunal into the former Yugoslavia brought high-profile prosecutions against Slobodan Milosevic and Radovan Karadzic. Liberalism A theoretical perspective which claims that international relations is characterised by complex interdependence, global governance and rational behaviour. There is a clear economic incentive for states to avoid warfare. Lisbon Treaty A Treaty signed in 2007 that sought to make the EU more democratic. Classical realists adopt a pessimistic view of human behaviour and the primordial forces that shape us.
The aim was to prevent the spread of communism. African Monetary Union (AMU) The process of deeper monetary integration within the African Union. Victors Justice A term that refers to the double standards often employed by the victorious side. The US also agreed to lift its veto upon assistance from the IMF and the World Bank. The former was the first Head of State to be placed on trial for war crimes. The growth of regional bodies such as the EU both supports (and refutes) the concept of globalisation. For instance, liberal figures advocate the democratic peace and the commercial (capitalist) peace theories. The term may be contrasted with a benign hegemon. It seeks to underline the importance of military force with the need to establish legitimacy and linkages with others. The term is usually applied in the context of extremist groups, terrorist activity and totalitarian regimes. Bretton Woods System An economic system of governance created shortly before the end of the Second World War. For instance, judicial bodies and regional organisations are often undermined by a lack of sufficient legitimacy. Core States According to the World Systems Theory, the global economy is divided into three distinct areas: Core, Semi-Periphery and Periphery.
The courts will therefore abide by a previous decision made. Democratic countries are therefore incentivised to establish and maintain diplomatic institutions in order to resolve disputes between them. Ethnic cleansing may occur on the basis of forced migration, ethnic dilution and intimidation. In terms of the latter, there is the possibility of a terrorist organisation acquiring some form of nuclear weaponry. E-IR is an independent non-profit publisher run by an all volunteer team. Nation A community of people who typically share a common national identity, history, religion and language. The classification of states on the basis of hierarchy casts an insight upon concepts such as polarity and the balance of power. Chauvinism An exaggerated sense of national superiority. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) A document that enshrines a set of universal rights and freedoms. Hierarchy of States A term used to describe how states are stratified within international relations.
Hawks A term used to describe a politician or academic favourable towards warfare and militarism. States are in possession of some offensive military capability and can never be entirely certain about the intentions of another state. Commercial Peace Theory A liberal perspective which claims that the spread of capitalism creates a more peaceful global system. As such, it is of greater importance than a mere superpower. support open access publishing. Laissez-faire Economics An economic system based upon market forces and minimal state intervention.
However, there is a so-called sixth veto whereby the seven non-permanent members vote against a resolution.
Colonialism The settlement of a foreign country via an imperial power. This may be on the basis of resource extraction and the location of sweatshops. A semi-democracy may be classified as a partial democracy rather than a full democracy. For instance, Sudan was taken off the list of state-sponsored terrorism in return for diplomatic support for Israel.
The ASEAN way is also characterised by quiet diplomacy and coordination amongst member states. Dependency Culture A situation in which recipients of aid become reliant upon the provision of aid. Non-democratic State A system of representative government in which elections take place without a choice of political parties.
There are several territories throughout the world where two or more ethnic groups claim sovereignty.
The latter denotes a liberal who adopts an aggressive approach towards the spread of democracy and capitalism. Statism The realist notion that states are the principal actors within international relations. Terrorism therefore consists of the use of political violence to demand social change. Cultural Flattening The process in which information, commodities and images produced in one part of the world enter into a global village. However, the term can also be applied towards current tensions between Washington and Beijing. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union implemented a state-centric economic system based upon common ownership. The long cycle theory challenges the predominant view in which the international system is characterised by anarchy. Geneva Conventions A set of treaties and protocols that provide an agreed standard for humanitarian treatment in warfare.
There will always be something to debate and explore within your studies and in the words of the Buddhist proverb: nothing is forever except change.
In a theocracy, laws are divinely ordained. Puppet State A state that is independent in law, but not in fact. The term has increased in salience due to climate change. The exploitative economic system is structured in order to maintain the dominance of core countries such as the United States over those within the periphery.
He predicted that conflict in the twenty-first century would be characterised via tensions between rival cultures.
Global Governance The process of decision-making at the global level aimed at solving problems that affect more than one state (or region). Unlike conventional warfare, it is conflict within rather than between states. In a de facto sense, the State of Israel also restricts the movement of people residing within Gaza. The number of anocracies has increased since the end of the Cold War.
The effectiveness of the ICJ, also known as The World Court, is however undermined by the fact that it cannot initiate cases and needs to gain support from the UNSC in order to enforce its decisions. Hyper-globalisation A theoretical perspective which claims that globalisation represents a fundamental and transformative development within international politics. Ethnic Cleansing The forced removal of ethnic, racial and religious groups from any given territory by another ethnic group. The Reagan administration provided covert support and funding towards those groups opposed to the spread of communism. In theory, the Washington Consensus is built upon a laissez-faire approach towards economic management. There is a constant potential of new developments, creating new realities and ever-changing landscapes. Theocracy A regime based upon a strong adherence to religious beliefs (such as Iran). Peripheral States According to World Systems Theory, peripheral states within the global economy are exploited by those at the core. Intended Nationally Determined Contributions An intended reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as specified under the UNFCCC.
Accountability A situation in which those in power are held responsible for their decisions. Institutions, symbols and national anthems may also be considered within the context of social cohesion. The Geneva Conventions outline the fundamental rights of wartime prisoners, protections for the wounded and safeguards for civilians. Class conflict A Marxist term used to describe the political struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
Buffer state A relatively weak and neutral state situated between two larger hostile countries. Global politics is forged under a perennial current of social change. Regime change may be instigated via demands for social change, a revolution or a coup.
Cobweb Model A liberal notion that claims global politics can be understood on the basis of complex interdependence.
The Abraham Accords marked the first normalisation of relations between Israel and a neighbouring Arab state since the mid-1990s. Four Freedoms A set of goals articulated by Franklin Roosevelt during the 1940s. Functionalism A theoretical perspective which recognises the common interests of states and non-state actors towards the process of integration. Multiple stateless nations can also reside in the same geographical region or country. Neoconservatives, who are most prevalent in the United States, tend to adopt a hawkish stance. Annexation can be legitimised via general recognition by international bodies (such as intergovernmental institutions). Post-positivism also claims that discourse can never be entirely free of power. Nation-State A theoretical concept in which nations hold defined territorial statehood. All content on the website (with the exception of images) is published under the following Creative Commons License, Copyright E-International Relations. In other words, anarchy is itself a social construct of the state system and can therefore be transformed. It is a neo-Marxist perspective which claims that the imperialism of the past has been replaced by a form of neocolonialism implemented via the Washington Consensus. Before you download your free e-book, please consider donating to
The Reagan administration marked a clear departure from the dtente of the 1970s. The possession of nuclear weapons tends to hold certain political benefits (such as a deterrent). Billiard ball model A realist conception in which the state is analogous to an independent and unitary billiard-ball.
The development of the EU is consistent with neofunctionalism. an attack on one is an attack on all.
The United States has been described as a hyperpower, although this has in part been undermined by the emergence of China.
West Bank A landlocked territory under Israeli occupation since 1967 (including the contentious area of East Jerusalem). The United States has often been involved with the process of regime change (such as Operation Condor in Latin America). Selective intervention routinely highlights the problem of bias and hypocrisy held by powerful states. Outside of the EU, the economic benefits of increased trade leads towards the formation of multilateral alliances (such as ASEAN). The three Cs are often used as a template towards an understanding of bilateral relations between states. Superpowers typically possess a global reach, a predominant role within their respective sphere of influence and a massive military capacity (especially in terms of nuclear weaponry). Monadic Peace The proposition that democracies are more peaceful than non-democratic regimes. Recognition A process in which certain facts are accepted with legal and legitimate status. Self- determination claims that a nation should achieve statehood and determine how they are governed. In order to ensure transparency, performance indicators are published. Although idealistic in tone, the Obama administration engaged in unilateral action in order to promote American interests where necessary. Authority The legitimate right to author decisions and rule over others.
Hyperpower A state that is dominant in every domain of international relations. World Economic Forum An international non-governmental organisation in which prominent political and economic stakeholders meet in Davos, Switzerland.
World Systems Theory A theoretical perspective which emphasises the world system (rather than nation-states) as the main focus of analysis. The G4 is opposed by the uniting for consensus movement under the leadership of Italy.
De Lege Lata A legal term meaning what the law is, in contrast to de lega ferenda. Unlike soft power, hard power entails the act or threat of aggression. Political Globalisation The growing importance of international organisations within global politics. Semi-Democracy A state that holds both democratic and authoritarian elements. The Washington Consensus is often contrasted with the Beijing Consensus as a potential pathway towards economic development. States and organisations often need a clear mandate in order to confer legitimacy upon humanitarian intervention. Security Dilemma A situation in which actions by a state intended to heighten its security, such as increasing their military arsenal, leads to further instability. Offensive Realism A realist perspective which states that the anarchic nature of global politics promotes aggressive behaviour. Carter Doctrine The pledge from the Carter administration (1977-1981) to employ military force in order to defend American interests in the Persian Gulf. Legitimacy The right and acceptance of proper authority to rule. This makes the resolution of a bargaining round highly problematic. Bandwagoning A situation in which a state is aligned with a stronger adversary. Terrorism The use or threat of action designed to influence a government or to intimidate the public. Kyoto Protocol An environmental agreement adopted in 1997 that committed transitional economies to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cyberwarfare The use (or threat) of cyber weapons against another with the intention of causing digital harm. Democratic Peace Theory A liberal perspective that claims that the spread of democratic values leads towards a more peaceful, stable and harmonious international system. Introducing Globalisation in International Relations, Levels of Analysis in International Relations, Gender, Sexuality and International Relations, Introducing Human Rights in International Relations, Student Feature Middle Powers in International Relations.
It may be contrasted with smart power, which seeks to combine elements of both soft and hard power. Horizontal Nuclear Proliferation The spread of nuclear weapons based upon acquisition by states and non-state actors. bandwidth bills to ensure we keep our existing titles free to view. Bipolarity The distribution of power within international relations characterised by two superpowers each with their own sphere of influence. The Obama doctrine also sought to reduce overseas commitments (particularly in regards to Iraq and Afghanistan). International Court of Justice (ICJ) The International Court of Justice aims to settle disputes between states in accordance with international law. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) A set of global objectives designed to establish a more sustainable future for all. Soft Law A situation in which quasi-judicial institutions lack adequate powers of enforcement. The regional bloc has created the Pan-African Parliament, the Commission and a semi-annual meeting of state premiers. Climate Change Man-made changes to the natural environment that result in global warming and consequently global climate adaptations. Once viewed in a favourable manner, the term autocracy is often considered in a negative sense due to its association with dictatorial regimes. United Nations (UN) Founded after the Second World War in 1945, the United Nations is an intergovernmental organisation which chiefly endeavours to maintain international peace and security, international cooperation, and be the centre of the harmonisation of state activity following the aims set out in its founding document, the UN Charter. Clinton Doctrine The philosophical and strategic basis of foreign policy directed by the Clinton administration (19932001).
Assimilation places social harmony above the diversity championed by integration, and therefore offers a counter to the clash of civilisations thesis. Although there is no enforcement mechanism, the Agreement marked the first-ever comprehensive climate agreement. Humanitarian intervention is likely to be successful when a major global or regional power is prepared to take the lead (such as the French in Mali). United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) An environmental treaty that seeks to address climate change. Fundamentalism An ideological doctrine which demands total obedience from its members. Appointed by the member states of the General Assembly, the Secretary General will seek to express the opinions of the international community. The term is used interchangeably with major powers. The concept of jus cogens provides a foundation for international law. The Cuban government regards American presence as an illegal occupation on the basis that the original agreement was a violation of international law. Autocracy A system of government in which a single leader or party is in possession of supreme and absolute power. It is associated with jingoist rhetoric and an aggressive pursuit of the national interest(s). Jus ad Bellum A Latin term outlining the circumstances in which a state is justified in using military force. Neorealism A strand of realist thought centred on the assumption that the international system is structurally anarchic and it is this structure that determines state behaviour. According to this state-centric assumption, domestic politics ends at the waters edge and engagements with other states may be calculated. Rule of Law In the context of international relations, the rule of law is a principle of governance applicable to a wide range of actors. Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) A proposed trade agreement signed in 2016 amongst several states including the US, Japan and Australia. NATO first invoked Article 5 in 2001 after the terrorist attack of 9/11. This is an excerpt from Understanding Global Politics by Kevin Bloor. However, realists challenge this assumption given the continued importance of statism and sovereignty. Sustainable Development Levels of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Globalisation A political system characterised by mutual dependence within the political, cultural and economic realm. Relative gains is based on a zero-sum formulation of power politics. Bush doctrine The foreign policy strategy of George W. Bush (2001 2009). Terrorism also seeks to advance a political, religious or ideological cause. The term has become more applicable towards humanitarian intervention in a failed (or failing) state. According to Alexander Wendt (1992), even the realist concept of power politics is a social construct. Associated with the work of Immanuel Wallerstein, the chief feature of the world systems theory is its focus upon the transnational division of labour between core, semi-peripheral and peripheral states. The chief objectives of the IMF are to facilitate international trade and provide financial assistance. For instance, the US holds significant structural power within a range of international organisations. Double Standards Where one group (or state) is treated differently to another. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation An alliance amongst Eurasian and South Asian states (most notably Russia and China). Stimson Doctrine The non-recognition of those states created as a result of military aggression. According to Joseph Nye, the most effective strategies in regards to foreign policy necessitate coercion and persuasion.
Self-Determination A prescriptive concept in which a nation or imagined community is said to have the right to form its own political structure. Strategies consistent with adaptation include the relocation of settlements in areas most at risk from climate change. Neo-Neo Debate The debate within contemporary International Relations between the neorealist and neoliberal schools of thought. Gaza Strip A densely-populated territory claimed in a legal sense by the State of Palestine (along with the West Bank). G7 An informal series of meetings between seven of the most developed economies. These organisations are transnational in that they exercise jurisdiction within a broader system of states. Cultural Globalisation The transmission of ideas, meanings and values around the world in a manner that extends the scope and scale of transnational relations.
The agreement seeks to create a single market along similar lines to European integration. Institutional Peace Theory A liberal argument that the establishment of international institutions help foster peace and stability. It seeks to place the national interest above those obligations derived from the broader international community. Economic Globalisation The process by which national economies have, to a greater or lesser extent, been absorbed into an interlocking global economy. The Bangkok Declaration emphasises communal obligations rather than the rights of the individual. Mitigation A process by which countries seek to moderate the impact of greenhouse gases in order to tackle climate change (such as a shift from non-renewable to renewable energy sources). The organisation has also expanded into the former Soviet sphere of influence and has implemented military action in response to a unanimous position adopted by the UNSC (e.g. Multilateralism Where states pursue foreign policy objectives via a constructive engagement with other actors. The UN Secretary General can at times drive forward the process of global governance, such as Kofi Annan in regards to developing the R2P and the MDGs.
