Politics Summary

The principle that everyone should have equal rights and responsibilities, with liberty being the most important right.

The idea that inequalities in society are acceptable only if they benefit the least advantaged members. This means ensuring a certain standard of living even for the poorest.

This theory states that the justice of possession depends entirely on how it was acquired. It emphasizes the importance of just acquisition, transfer, and rectification of injustice.

A political philosophy that emphasizes formal, procedural fairness in the allocation of rights and resources. It may justify inequalities if they arise from a fair process.

A broad description of the attitudes and beliefs of individuals regarding the governing structures of a society. It covers aspects like trust in government, political participation, and views on democracy.

This principle suggests that a political culture and the political system within which it operates should be compatible and aligned. A mismatch can lead to instability.

The concept that citizens should have as much freedom as possible, within the limits necessary to maintain a functioning society. It balances individual liberty with collective well-being.

This type of political culture arises from the tension between individual ambitions (liberty) and the needs and constraints of living collectively (equality). It finds expression in democratic systems.

The study of how individuals or groups make decisions in situations where their outcomes depend on the choices of others.

The situation where the optimal outcome for everyone is not achieved due to individual self-interest.

People who benefit from a collective action without contributing to its costs.

Political system that favors a concentration of power in the hands of an individual or a small group, often suppressing political opposition and rule of law.

The tendency for all organizations, even initially democratic ones, to eventually become controlled by a small group of people.

A strong connection to a political party, often based on personal beliefs or shared values.

The trend of people becoming less attached to political parties. This can lead to more choices and less predictable voting patterns.

People tend to vote for parties that represent their social groups, like race, ethnicity, or culture.

Voting specifically to stop another party from winning, rather than supporting a particular candidate.

Actions taken by citizens to influence government policies, including voting, protests, and contacting officials.

International organizations like the UN and WTO play a crucial role in resolving disagreements, creating rules (like international laws), and promoting cooperation between nations.

Changes in individuals' values over time, often driven by modernization.

A hierarchy of human needs, where basic needs must be met before higher needs are pursued.

Diplomacy involves the strategies and actions used by countries to manage their relationships with one another, including conflict resolution, trade negotiations, peace-keeping, and humanitarian aid.

The process of how individual-level changes influence political structures and institutions.

Globalization signifies the increasing interconnectedness among nations in areas such as trade, finance, culture, and communication, leading to greater interdependence.

The stability, legitimacy, and longevity of democratic systems increase when democratic culture and institutions align.

Globalization has a multifaceted impact on societies, bringing potential benefits like economic growth and cultural exchange but also challenges such as economic disparity and cultural homogenization.

Political parties act as representatives in legislative processes, aiming to win votes, influence policies, and gain the perks of office.

A public good is something that benefits everyone in society, even those who don't directly pay for it, like clean air or national security.

Parties operate in the electoral marketplace, balancing voter demands with electoral competitiveness.

Social or cultural divisions in society that separate citizens into groups with distinct political interests, leading to political conflict.

Electoral rules influence the type of party system. Proportional representation leads to proportional systems, while first-past-the-post leads to majoritarian systems.

The scattering or number of parties across the ideological spectrum.

The ideological distance between parties, indicating the intensity of ideological conflicts.

The theory suggesting that media doesn't dictate what we think, but what we think about. It places emphasis on the media's power to shape our perception of important issues.

The idea that individuals primarily consume information that confirms their existing beliefs.

A theoretical framework in international relations that emphasizes cooperation, diplomacy, and the potential for peaceful conflict resolution. It promotes free trade, economic globalization, and dialogue among nations.

A concept in international relations theory that posits the importance of a dominant world power for global stability and economic prosperity. This hegemon is responsible for maintaining the institutional order and ensuring a peaceful balance.

The ability to influence others by using force, coercion, or military might. A state with hard power can exert its will through military strength and economic sanctions.

The ability to influence others through attraction, persuasion, and cultural appeal. Countries with soft power can use diplomacy, cultural exports, and positive values to achieve their goals.

A strategy in game theory where cooperation is based on reciprocity. You respond to another's actions with an equivalent action, promoting mutual trust and benefits.

A situation involving two parties who are better off cooperating but have an incentive to act selfishly, leading to a potentially negative outcome for both. It's often used to explain conflicts in international relations.

The use of force, violence, or conflict as a means of achieving political objectives. It involves deliberate and organized use of violence between states or groups.

A set of legal norms and principles governing the conduct of parties involved in armed conflicts. It aims to protect civilians, limit the methods and means of warfare, and ensure humanitarian treatment of prisoners.

A type of conflict that takes place within a state's borders, involving groups fighting for control of territory, resources, or political power. It often involves internal divisions, ethnic tensions, or political grievances.

A system of governance involving multiple levels of government, institutions, and stakeholders. It allows for a distribution of authority and decision-making across national, regional, and local levels.

The distribution of authority and decision-making power in a hierarchical manner. This involves different levels of government, each with specific powers and responsibilities, often leading to a vertical flow of authority.

Collaboration and coordination between different levels of government, involving sharing of resources, information, and decision-making. This fosters a horizontal flow of expertise and cooperation.

The set of laws, regulations, and policies that a country must adopt to join the European Union. It includes all EU treaties, directives, and regulations, ensuring legal and regulatory compatibility.