Global Politics U3&4 Terms

Front

Nation

Back

Refers to groups of people claiming common bonds based on culture, language, and history. Some nations have their own state, such as the Japanese, while others want their own state such as the Tibetans and Kurds.

Front

State

Back

Traditionally this term refers to the central actor in global politics. States possess a permanent population, defined territory, and recognised sovereignty. States are not necessarily culturally homogenous, for example, Australia.

Front

Sovereignty

Back

Legitimate or widely recognised ability to exercise effective control of a territory within recognised borders. This is the primary organising principle of global politics, providing states with the authority to represent their territorial entity within the international community.

Front

Power

Back

Refers to the ability of one global actor to influence the actions of another global actor. Power can be exercised in a range of types.

Front

Global Governance

Back

Refers to institutions, rules, norms, and legal arrangements that seek to facilitate cooperation, and manage relations, between states. Governance is carried out by both governmental organisations such as the United Nations and non-governmental organisations.

Front

Multilateralism

Back

Refers to a system of coordinating relations between three or more global actors, usually in pursuit of specific objectives.

Front

Globalisation

Back

Refers to acceleration and intensification of exchanges of goods, services, labour, and capital, which promote global interdependence. These have been facilitated by rapid changes in communication and technology.

Front

National Interests

Back

The national interests of a state are pursued to ensure the survival and potential growth of that state. States implement policies and types of power to achieve their national interests and maintain state sovereignty.

Front

Security

Back

Traditionally this term refers to the protection of a state’s borders from intruders and the maintenance of sovereignty, most commonly achieved through the use of military power. It has now evolved to include softer forms of security, such as access to resources and the protection of the environment.

Front

Idealism

Back

Refers to a school of thought in which policy is influenced primarily by an ideological principle, as opposed to practical and pragmatic considerations.