International politics vocab midterm

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What is non-state actions?

Who? These include NGOs, IGOs, multinational corporations, and terrorist groups. What? They influence global politics without being official state governments. When? Their role expanded significantly after World War II. Where? They operate across national borders, influencing multiple regions. How? They shape policies through lobbying, advocacy, economic activities, or violence. Why? They challenge traditional state power and influence global security, economy, and human rights. Why is this significant? They challenge traditional state power in international relations.

Three levels of analysis?

Who? Kenneth Waltz developed this framework. What? It is a method to study international politics through system, state, and individual levels. When? It became prominent in political science in the 20th century. Where? It applies globally in analyzing foreign policy and conflicts. How? It explains why international events happen based on different levels of influence. Why? It helps in understanding causes of war, diplomacy, and global trends from multiple perspectives. Why is this significant? It helps in understanding causes of war, diplomacy, and global trends.

What is Political Realism?

Who? Thinkers like Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Morgenthau supported this idea. What? It is the belief that international relations are driven by power and self-interest. When? It has influenced global politics for centuries, especially during the Cold War. Where? It applies to all interactions between states worldwide. How? Countries act pragmatically, prioritizing survival and power over morality. Why? It explains wars, alliances, and diplomatic strategies based on power dynamics. Why is this significant? It explains wars, alliances, and diplomatic strategies.

What is Polarity in International Systems?

Who? Political scientists analyze polarity to describe global power structures. What? It refers to the number of dominant powers in the world: unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar. When? Different periods of history have seen shifts, like bipolarity in the Cold War. Where? It is relevant wherever global power is concentrated among states. How? Power shifts through wars, economic changes, or diplomatic strategies. Why? It affects global stability, conflicts, and the balance of power in world politics. Why is this significant? It affects global stability and the likelihood of conflict. Signup and view all the answers

What is Balancing and Bandwagoning?

Who? States make these strategic decisions in international relations. What? Balancing is opposing a dominant power, while bandwagoning is aligning with it. When? These strategies have been used throughout history, especially during wars. Where? They occur in military alliances and global politics. How? Nations choose based on security concerns and political interests. Why? These choices determine alliance formations and influence global stability. Why is this significant? It determines alliance formations and global stability. Signup and view all the answers

What is Theory of Democratic Peace

Who? Political scientists like Immanuel Kant and modern researchers study this theory. What? It suggests that democracies do not go to war with each other. When? The idea gained traction in the 20th century with the rise of democratic states. Where? It applies to relations between democratic countries worldwide. How? Democracies have institutional checks that prevent conflicts. Why? It supports policies promoting democracy as a way to maintain global peace. Why is this significant? It supports policies promoting democracy for global peace. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hegemonic Stability Theory?

Who? Theorists like Charles Kindleberger support this idea. What? It states that a dominant global power maintains international order. When? It has been observed in the Pax Britannica and Pax Americana periods. Where? It applies to global leadership and economic stability. How? The hegemon enforces trade rules, security, and conflict resolution. Why? It explains how global peace and economic growth can be maintained under a strong leader. Why is this significant? It explains how global peace and economic growth can be maintained. Signup and view all the answers

Power Transition Theory?

Who? Developed by A.F.K. Organski. What? It argues that war occurs when a rising power challenges a dominant power. When? It has been evident in conflicts like WWI and WWII. Where? It applies to major geopolitical rivalries. How? As a state grows in power, tensions rise with the current hegemon. Why? It helps predict major conflicts and shifts in global leadership. Why is this significant? It helps predict major conflicts in world politics. Signup and view all the answers

Security Dilemma

Who? All states face this challenge in international relations. What? It occurs when one state’s military buildup causes others to respond similarly. When? This was especially evident during the Cold War. Where? It affects global arms races and regional conflicts. How? Fear leads to increased military spending and strategic tensions. Why? It explains how conflicts can escalate unintentionally due to mutual distrust Why is this significant? It explains how conflicts can escalate unintentionally. Signup and view all the answers

Prisoner’s Dilemma Game

Who? Game theorists use this model to explain strategic decision-making. What? It is a scenario where two rational actors must decide whether to cooperate or betray. When? It was formalized in the mid-20th century. Where? It applies to negotiations, war strategies, and economic policies. How? Each side seeks to maximize its benefit, often leading to worse outcomes. Why? It explains why cooperation is difficult in international politics, as self-interest often leads to suboptimal outcomes, such as arms races. Why is this significant? It explains why cooperation is difficult in international politics. Signup and view all the answers

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)

Who? The U.S. and USSR followed this strategy during the Cold War. What? It is the idea that nuclear war would destroy both sides completely. When? It was a defining doctrine of the Cold War era. Where? It applied globally, especially to nuclear-armed states. How? Both sides maintained nuclear arsenals to deter attacks. Why? It prevented direct war between nuclear-armed states by ensuring that any attack would result in total annihilation for both sides. Why is this significant? It prevented direct war between superpowers. Signup and view all the answers

Territorial Waters

Who? Countries with coastlines claim territorial waters. What? It refers to the area of the sea up to 12 miles from a nation’s coast where they have sovereignty. When? The concept was formalized in international law through the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Where? It applies to coastal regions around the world. How? Nations control fishing, navigation, and resource extraction in these waters. Why? It is important for national security, economic resources, and international disputes over maritime boundaries. Why is this significant? It affects maritime disputes, security, and economic rights. Signup and view all the answers

1968 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Who? Signed by many countries, including nuclear and non-nuclear states. What? It is a treaty to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons while promoting peaceful nuclear energy. When? Signed in 1968 and renewed in 1995. Where? It applies to all signatory nations. How? It enforces restrictions on nuclear technology through inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Why? It helps prevent the spread of nuclear weapons while allowing peaceful nuclear energy use, reducing the risk of global nuclear war. Why is this significant? It is a key international agreement for controlling nuclear proliferation. Signup and view all the answers

1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)

Who? Signed by over 180 countries but not ratified by some major nuclear powers. What? It bans all nuclear weapon test explosions. When? It was opened for signature in 1996. Where? It applies globally to all signatories. How? It relies on an international monitoring system to detect nuclear tests. Why? It aims to halt nuclear weapons development and testing, promoting global arms control and disarmament. Why is this significant? It aims to limit nuclear weapon development and promote disarmament. Signup and view all the answers

Charles V

Who? He was the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain. What? He ruled one of the largest European empires of the 16th century. When? He reigned from 1519 to 1556. Where? His empire spanned Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Americas. How? He expanded his rule through inheritance and military campaigns. Why? His reign shaped European politics, religious conflicts (Protestant Reformation), and the balance of power in the 16th century. Why is this significant? His reign shaped European politics and led to religious conflicts like the Protestant Reformation. Signup and view all the answers

Richelieu’s Principle of Raison d'état

Who? Cardinal Richelieu, a French statesman. What? It is the idea that the state's interests should come before morality or religion. When? Richelieu used this principle during his rule from 1624 to 1642. Where? It influenced French and European politics. How? It justified France’s alliances with Protestant nations against Catholic rivals. Why? It justified policies based on state interests rather than morality, influencing modern realpolitik and diplomacy. Why is this significant? It laid the foundation for modern realpolitik and state sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

Westphalia System

Who? European states established this system. What? It recognized state sovereignty and ended religious wars. When? It was established in 1648 after the Thirty Years’ War. Where? It applied across Europe but influenced the entire world. How? It created a system where states could govern without external interference. Why? It established the principles of state sovereignty and non-interference, shaping the modern international system. Why is this significant? It shaped the modern international order by emphasizing sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

Great Northern War (1700-1721)

Who? Fought between Sweden and a coalition led by Russia. What? A war for dominance in Northern Europe. When? It lasted from 1700 to 1721. Where? It took place in the Baltic region and Eastern Europe. How? Russia, led by Peter the Great, defeated Sweden. Why? It marked Russia’s rise as a European power and ended Swedish dominance in the Baltic region. Why is this significant? It marked Russia’s rise as a major European power. Signup and view all the answers

Utrecht System (1713-1714)

Who? European powers signed the Treaty of Utrecht. What? It ended the War of the Spanish Succession and prevented the unification of France and Spain. When? The treaty was signed in 1713-1714. Where? It affected Spain, France, and much of Europe. How? It redistributed territories and maintained a balance of power. Why? It introduced the balance of power concept, preventing France and Spain from uniting under one ruler. Why is this significant? It established principles of diplomacy and balance of power in Europe. Signup and view all the answers

Seven Years’ War (1756-1763)

Who? Fought between Britain, France, Prussia, and other European powers. What? A global conflict fought over colonial and territorial disputes. When? It lasted from 1756 to 1763. Where? Battles occurred in Europe, North America, and India. How? Britain and Prussia emerged victorious, reshaping global influence. Why? It reshaped global empires, leading to British dominance in North America and India while setting the stage for the American Revolution. Why is this significant? It led to British dominance in North America and India. Signup and view all the answers

Napoleon’s Continental System

Who? Implemented by Napoleon Bonaparte. What? A blockade designed to weaken Britain’s economy by cutting off trade. When? It was enacted in 1806. Where? It affected Europe’s trade with Britain. How? France pressured allies to stop trading with Britain. Why? It was an economic strategy to weaken Britain but ultimately backfired, harming France’s economy and contributing to Napoleon’s downfall. Why is this significant? It failed, damaging France’s economy and leading to Napoleon’s downfall Signup and view all the answers

Vienna System (1815)

Who? European powers created this system after Napoleon’s defeat. What? A diplomatic framework to maintain peace and restore monarchies. When? It was established in 1815. Where? It applied across Europe. How? It created a balance of power through agreements and alliances. Why? It maintained European stability for nearly a century by restoring balance and preventing major wars. Why is this significant? It maintained relative peace in Europe for a century. Signup and view all the answers

Hundred Years’ Peace (1815-1914)

Who? Major European powers participated in this period of peace. What? A time of relative stability with few large-scale wars. When? It lasted from 1815 to 1914. Where? It mainly involved Europe. How? Diplomacy and the balance of power prevented major wars. Why? It delayed large-scale conflicts, but rising nationalism and alliances eventually led to World War I. Why is this significant? It delayed large conflicts until World War I. Signup and view all the answers

Crimean War (1853-1856)

Who? Russia fought against Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire. What? A war over influence in the declining Ottoman Empire. When? It lasted from 1853 to 1856. Where? Battles took place in Crimea and the Black Sea region. How? Britain and France intervened to stop Russian expansion. Why? It exposed Russia’s military weaknesses and led to reforms while shifting European alliances. Why is this significant? It exposed Russia’s weaknesses and led to reforms. Signup and view all the answers

Wars of German Unification (1864-1871)

Who? Led by Prussia’s Otto von Bismarck. What? A series of wars that united Germany. When? The wars occurred between 1864 and 1871. Where? They took place in Denmark, Austria, and France. How? Bismarck used military victories and diplomacy to unify Germany. Why? They created a powerful, united Germany, disrupting the European balance of power and setting the stage for future conflicts. Why is this significant? It created a powerful German Empire, altering European politics. Signup and view all the answers

Sovereignty

Who? Sovereignty is held by states or governments. What? It is the supreme authority to govern within a defined territory. When? The concept was formalized with the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. Where? It applies to all recognized nations worldwide. How? A state exercises sovereignty through laws, governance, and military control. Why? It is crucial for national independence, self-determination, and international relations. Why is this significant? It defines national independence and prevents external interference. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Non-State Actors

Entities like NGOs, IGOs, corporations, and terrorist groups influencing global politics without being official state governments.

Three Levels of Analysis

Analyzing international politics through systemic, state, and individual levels of influence.