International Relations and the League of Nations

A diplomatic agreement among major European powers in the 19th century to maintain stability and prevent war. They aimed to balance power, preserve existing borders, and resolve disputes peacefully.

A series of diplomatic and military events that triggered World War I, leading to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, a cascade of alliances, and ultimately a global conflict.

The Concert of Europe reflected a realist approach to international affairs, focused on maintaining a balance of power among states to prevent any one nation from becoming dominant.

The Concert of Europe can be seen as a precursor to modern multilateral institutions, demonstrating early efforts towards promoting collective security and diplomatic solutions.

The Concert of Europe highlighted shared values among European elites, emphasizing the preservation of political stability and the legitimacy of monarchic rule.

The July Crisis illustrates the realist perspective of international relations, demonstrating how power struggles, alliances, and a lack of effective conflict resolution mechanisms can lead to war.

The July Crisis highlights the limitations of traditional diplomacy in the absence of strong international institutions, allowing for unchecked militarization and escalating tensions.

The July Crisis demonstrates how ideas like nationalism, honor, and perceptions of war can influence state decisions and public support for conflict.

A military alliance formed in 1955 by the Soviet Union and its allies in response to the formation of NATO.

A concrete barrier separating East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989, symbolizing the Cold War's ideological divide.

A conflict where a third party supports one or more sides without directly participating in the fighting.

A political and economic system where the government controls all aspects of the economy and society.

A political and economic system emphasizing individual liberty, free markets, and limited government intervention.

The competition between the United States and the Soviet Union for global power and influence during the Cold War.

The process of building up military strength by increasing the number and power of weapons.

A theory of international relations that emphasizes the importance of power and national interests in shaping state behavior.

A peace agreement that officially ended World War I, signed in 1919. It imposed harsh penalties on Germany after the war, including territorial losses, military disarmament, and war reparations.

An international organization founded after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among nations. It attempted to settle disputes and prevent future wars.

The imaginary boundary that divided communist Eastern Europe from the democratic West during the Cold War.

A powerful ideology that emphasizes power and national interest as the primary drivers of international relations. Realists believe that states are driven by self-interest and security concerns.

An ideology that emphasizes cooperation, diplomacy, and the importance of international institutions in maintaining peace and order.

An ideology that emphasizes the importance of shared ideas, norms, and identities in shaping international relations. They believe that social and political processes construct the meanings and interests of states.

The Treaty of Versailles' clause that blamed Germany for the outbreak of World War I. It caused resentment and humiliation for Germany, as it was forced to accept responsibility for the conflict.

A state with weak institutions and governance, making it vulnerable to internal conflicts or collapse due to factors like poverty, corruption, or external shocks, like natural disasters.

A state that has completely lost its ability to control its territory or exercise sovereignty, leading to widespread violence and lawlessness.

A global commitment to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity by emphasizing state responsibility to protect its citizens and allowing for international assistance or intervention if necessary.

A state's primary responsibility to safeguard its citizens from mass atrocities like genocide or ethnic cleansing.

International assistance provided to states struggling to fulfill their responsibility to protect their citizens from mass atrocities. This can involve financial aid, training, or technical support.

The idea that states prioritize their own security and survival, often at the expense of international cooperation.

The international community's right to intervene in a state's affairs if it fails to protect its citizens from mass atrocities. This can involve diplomatic, humanitarian, or military intervention.

A nuclear-armed state's pledge to defend an ally. This means the state would retaliate against an aggressor even if its ally was attacked.

A three-pronged system of nuclear weapons delivery - land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers - designed to ensure a credible deterrent and second-strike capability.

A strategy to maintain peace by having enough destructive power to deter any attack. Ensures mutual annihilation for both sides, making conflict highly risky.

A UN agency tasked with promoting peaceful use of nuclear energy while preventing its use for weapons.

The ability to launch a retaliatory nuclear strike after a first strike by an enemy, deterring an initial attack by guaranteeing retaliation.

A treaty aiming to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote peaceful nuclear energy and disarmament.

A perspective that values international cooperation, institutions, and shared norms for global security.

A perspective that sees states pursuing nuclear capabilities for self-preservation even if it means violating international treaties.

The idea that states use the IAEA for their strategic advantage, such as monitoring adversaries' nuclear programs.

The degree to which states are legally bound to comply with a treaty. High obligation means strong commitments and consequences for non-compliance. Low obligation indicates less binding commitments and voluntary measures.

The clarity and specificity of treaty provisions. High precision means clear, detailed rules with little room for interpretation. Low precision involves vague language allowing flexibility, but risking less enforcement or accountability.

The extent to which states delegate authority to third parties like international organizations or courts to interpret, monitor, or enforce treaty rules. High delegation means states allowing external bodies to enforce compliance. Low delegation indicates states retaining sovereignty, handling interpretation, and enforcement.

A set of international rules governing the use of force and the conduct of war, designed to minimize human suffering and regulate warfare. Divided into Jus ad Bellum (Right to War) and Jus in Bello (Justice in War).

Determines the conditions under which states can lawfully resort to war. Modern context: enshrined in the UN Charter, prohibiting war except for self-defense or UN Security Council authorization.

Regulates the conduct of armed forces during war to limit suffering and protect civilians. Modern context: enshrined in the Geneva and Hague Conventions.

A landmark international document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. It defines fundamental human rights and freedoms for all individuals.