Evolution of International Institutions and World Order

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Define the concept of polarity in International Relations.

Polarity in IR describes the presence of one or more great powers dominating the international system or the various ways power is distributed within the system.

How does the concept of polarity affect the behavior of states in the international system?

Polarity encourages states to act freely to increase their capability to become great powers.

What is unipolarity in the context of international politics?

Unipolarity is a condition where there is a wide power disparity between one great power and all other states.

How is polarity typically measured in International Relations?

Polarity is normally measured by looking at a state's economic, military, and political capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What inspired scholars of international relations in understanding the concept of polarity?

Scholars were inspired by natural science, using terms such as 'uni-', 'bi-', 'multi-' to describe polarities. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the international system often described as anarchic in the context of polarity?

The international system is described as anarchic because there are no rules to control states' behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of entities that are part of the multiplex world order mentioned in the text?

international and regional institutions, corporations, transnational non-governmental organizations, social movements, transnational criminal and terrorist groups Signup and view all the answers

How is a multiplex world different from a unipolar world?

A multiplex world is not defined by the hegemony of any single nation or idea, capturing a broader complexity of interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What constraints do contemporary states face in their actions according to the text?

States are constrained by factors such as economic interdependence, trade, finance, and global production networks. Signup and view all the answers

How does the economic interdependence in the 21st century differ from that of the 19th century?

Contemporary economic interdependence is more global, while in the 19th century it was mostly intra-European. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the economic interdependence in the pre-war multipolar world?

The pre-war multipolar world was mainly trade-based. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to focus on the distribution of ideas, cultures, and civilizations in the multiplex world order?

It captures the broader complexity of interactions that define the contemporary global system. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main international institution in pre-World War I Europe?

The European Concert of Powers Signup and view all the answers

How is the current world order different from the multipolar world order?

The current world order is a multiplex world order rather than a multipolar world order. Signup and view all the answers

What type of challenges have declined steadily since World War II?

Interstate conflicts Signup and view all the answers

What is described as the biggest threat to national security for many countries today?

A terrorist network Signup and view all the answers

What type of issues are magnified by interdependence and globalization, complicating security challenges?

Issues such as climate change, human trafficking, drugs, and pandemics Signup and view all the answers

How is the current world order characterized in terms of international and regional institutions?

There is a far greater density of relatively durable international and regional institutions today. Signup and view all the answers