Hegemony and the Liberal International Order

The idea that a powerful nation can provide stability and order to the international system by acting as a 'public good' provider.

A standard of behavior considered appropriate within a particular context.

Negative sentiment or hostility directed towards the United States, potentially impacting its global influence.

The ability of a country to exert influence through diplomacy, culture, and other non-military means.

China's increasing economic and military power, potentially leading to changes in global power dynamics.

The belief in the superiority of one's nation, often leading to a sense of national identity and pride.

The potential for conflict between the U.S. and China, driven by China's perception of U.S. intentions.

China's perception of the U.S. and its intentions as potentially hostile and detrimental to China's interests.

Terrorists are rational actors with political objectives, strategically choosing targets and timing to coerce governments into making concessions.

Terrorists use suicide attacks because they are effective in achieving their goals, resulting in government concessions.

Terrorist groups use terrorism to signal their strength and resolve, aiming to convince governments that they are a powerful force to be reckoned with.

Terrorist organizations are motivated by a desire to strengthen social solidarity and loyalty within their group, rather than specific political objectives.

Terrorism is a deliberate strategy used by groups who feel that they have limited options for achieving their goals through conventional means.

A strategy used by non-state actors to incite overreactions from governments, thereby damaging their reputation and legitimacy. This is achieved by provoking the government into using excessive force, which then alienates the population and strengthens the insurgent's support.

A type of warfare where the primary goal is to defeat a non-state actor, often through a combination of military force and political, economic, and social development efforts. It involves winning the hearts and minds of the local population while degrading the insurgent's capacity for violence.

The difficulty of fighting an insurgency arises because a foreign intervening power often has less at stake than the insurgents. This makes it challenging for the intervener to commit to a long-term strategy to defeat the insurgency, while the insurgents are more committed to achieving their goals.

The use of military force in COIN is limited as it prioritizes civilian protection, creating challenges in achieving decisive victories. This approach often focuses on degrading the insurgents' capabilities instead of achieving a complete victory.

The belief that nuclear proliferation can actually contribute to international stability by deterring major conflicts. The logic is based on the assumption that nuclear weapons create a second-strike capability, making nuclear war less likely due to the catastrophic consequences.

States primarily rely on their own power and capabilities to ensure survival. Nuclear weapons and mutually assured destruction act as a deterrent against aggression.

The theory that as the credibility of a nuclear security guarantee from a powerful country increases, support for acquiring nuclear weapons within the protected state also grows.

Drones are effective in counterterrorism by disrupting and degrading terrorist organizations. However, they can also lead to civilian casualties and empower militants, ultimately increasing the risk of terrorism.

Drones revolutionize how states engage on the international stage. They allow for more frequent, but low-intensity conflicts by reducing the human cost of military operations.

The phenomenon where the lower cost of using drones might encourage states to take actions that they wouldn't otherwise consider.

The effect of drone technology limiting the intensity of conflicts and preventing broad warfare.

Using drones can lower the threshold for conflict, leading to an increase in the number and frequency of confrontations.

Drone technology prompts restraint in how conflicts are conducted, leading to more targeted attacks and less collateral damage.

A public phenomenon where people's nationalistic beliefs and preferences are expressed and become visible.

Aggressive and assertive foreign policy preferences that favor military action or forceful interventions.

A powerful force in shaping nationalistic sentiments, particularly in China, often fueled by negative historical memories of perceived humiliation by other nations. It can lead to aggressive foreign policy positions.

The spread of emotions within an identity group, often leading to collective feelings and a shift in opinions or preferences, particularly towards a shared goal.

The idea that Europe cannot achieve military independence from the US due to differing threat perceptions (strategic cacophony) and insufficient defense capabilities. This means Europe relies on the US for its security.

A system of alliances where a powerful nation (the hub) forms individual partnerships with smaller nations (the spokes) instead of promoting stronger ties between those smaller nations directly.

A system of interconnected alliances, where every player interacts with each other, promoting collaboration and cooperation.