PSIR Terminology Review

The use of military and economic means to influence the behavior of other states. It involves the threat or use of force, sanctions, and other coercive measures.

• Power

• Hard power

• Soft power

• Smart power

The sphere of voluntary civic and social organizations and institutions that form the basis of a functioning society, as distinct from the state and commercial institutions.

• NGOs

• Governance

• Social movements

• Civil society

Economic or political penalties imposed on a country to force it to comply with international norms or laws. These penalties can include trade restrictions, asset freezes, and more.

• Sanctions

• Responsibility to Protect (RTP)

• Hard power

• Conflict

Organizations composed primarily of sovereign states. Examples include the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union.

• NGOs

• MNCs

• IGOs

• TNCs

The authority of a state to govern itself and its territory without external interference. It refers to the state's position as the highest political authority within its borders.

• Internal sovereignty

• External sovereignty

• Charismatic legitimacy

• Rational-legal legitimacy

Collective action by a group of people to bring about or resist social, political, economic, or cultural change. Often but not always progressive in nature and seeking a form of change or improvement.

• Civil society

• Social movement

• NGOs

• Democracy

The dominance or leadership of one state over others, often through a combination of economic, military, and cultural influence.

• Hegemony

• Hard power

• Global government

• Authoritarianism

Where the acceptance of a state or authority is derived from the belief in the legality of enacted rules and the right of those in authority to rule under such rules.

• Rational-legal legitimacy

• Charismatic legitimacy

• Traditional legitimacy

• Internal sovereignty

A state that lacks the capacity, legitimacy, or willingness to provide basic services and security to its population. These states are vulnerable to internal and external shocks and conflicts.

• Failed state

• Fragile state

• LEDC

• Failed democracy

The division of government into distinct branches (executive, legislative, judicial) with separate duties and powers, in order to prevent the concentration of power and ensure checks and balances.

• Secularism

• Governance

• Democracy

• Separation of powers