Introduction to Global Politics

Question 1

Political science

Answer 1

The study of systems of governance and the distribution of power within societies. Political scientists analyse the activities of political parties and interest groups, political ideologies, how people behave when participating in politics, and the impact of constitutions and laws.

Question 2

Power

Answer 2

The ability to alter the behavior of others to et what you want

Question 3

Hard power

Answer 3

Use of coercion and incentives to change behavior
Tangible and quantifiable
(feel/measure)

Question 4

Soft power

Answer 4

Use of persuasion and attraction to change behavior
Intangible and non - quantifiable
(can’t see or feel it influence you)

Question 5

Authority

Answer 5

The socially approved use of power by one person or group over another.

Legitimate use of power

Question 6

Types of power

Answer 6

Military
Political
Economic
Cultural
Psychological

Question 7

Sovereignty

Answer 7

The exclusive authority to exercise power within a defined territory

Question 8

State

Answer 8

An entity with sovereignty over a defined territory and is independent of external control.

Question 9

4 characteristics of a state

Answer 9

Defined territory
Permanent population
Government
Capacity to enter into agreements with other states (external)

Question 10

Primary actors

Answer 10

International law only applies to states, not individuals or organizations
Only states can be part of international institutions (eg UN)
Individuals can only interact with the international system through the state

Question 11

Mutual recognition of sovereignty

Answer 11

Intervention in a state’s internal affairs is frowned upon
States recognize each other as sovereign with own borders

Question 12

International law

Answer 12

based on voluntary agreements between states

Question 13

Treaty

Answer 13

A formal written agreement between two or more states

Sets out commitments and expectations

Legally binding

Question 14

Bilateral treaties

Answer 14

made between two states

Question 15

Multilateral treaties

Answer 15

made between three or more states

Question 16

Process for creating a treaty

Answer 16

1) Negotiate terms
2) Sign to show they accept and agree to the terms
3) Ratify by passing a domestic law
4) Treaty comes into force

Question 17

Why do states sign treaties?

Answer 17

Gain from cooperation - mutually beneficial
Clarify relationship between states
Address global or regional problems
Set expected behaviors and rules

Question 18

Political Actor

Answer 18

An individual, group or institution that has some measure of political power and/or authority, allowing it to engage in activities that can have a significant influence on political decisions, policies and outcomes in a society

Question 19

State actors

Answer 19

Political actors that represent or act on behalf of a legitimate government or state

Question 20

Non state actors

Answer 20

Political actors who aren’t affiliated with or directed by a state

No authority but can wield political influence

Question 21

Political parties

Answer 21

Organisations that represent a particular group of people or set of ideas within a state

Question 22

Political interest groups

Answer 22

Lobby groups, trade unions and activist groups
Seek to influence government decisions

Question 23

Media organizations

Answer 23

corporations or government entities which disseminate information to the public
Shape society and culture

Question 24

Intergovernmental organizations

Answer 24

Organizations of states created through formal treaties

Question 25

Non governmental organizations

Answer 25

Non profit organizations who address a social or political issue Advocacy NGOs = defend or promote and seek to influence Operational NGOs = design and implementation of developmental projects to improve living conditions

Question 26

Corporations

Answer 26

For profit enterprises with the production of goods/services or financial investments global trade, supply chain, create jobs

Question 27

Armed groups

Answer 27

Militias, terrorists, criminal organizations etc Undermine the sovereignty of state governments by reducing their ability to control their territory

Question 28

The United Nations (UN)

Answer 28

International governmental organization promoting international cooperation Charter of United Nations signed 26 June 1945 195 members (193 states) (2 non state observers - Holy See + Palestine)

Question 29

UN General Assembly (UNGA)

Answer 29

Main policy making organ of the UN Forum for negotiation Solutions proposed States vote on proposals = not binding on states but represent the international consensus Parliament

Question 30

UN Security Council (UNSC)

Answer 30

Responsible for maintaining international peace and security 15 members = 5 permanent, 10 non permanent (2 year terms) Permanent = China, Russia, USA, France, UK have veto power Only UN body that can impose sanctions or authorize use of force Government

Question 31

UN Secretariat

Answer 31

Responsible for daily operations of the UN Led by Secretary-General Produces reports and provides advice to countries Highlight issues and propose agendas but can't act without authorisation of GA

Question 32

United Nations Economic + Social Council (ECOSOC)

Answer 32

Forum for discussing international economic and social affairs 54 members on three year terms Coordinates economic and social activities of the UN

Question 33

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Answer 33

Settles legal disputes States must request for court intervention States have no obligation to accept decision 15 judges on 9 year terms Gives opinions on legal questions

Question 34

Development

Answer 34

A process whereby low income countries with traditional societies and agricultural based economies are transformed into industrial economies with high living standards Spectrum/Continuum not absolute ECOSOC

Question 35

Developed countries

Answer 35

Wealthy, industrialized Wealth more evenly distributed High standard of living, GDP and advanced infrastructure

Question 36

Developing countries

Answer 36

Going through the process of industrialization Lower standards of living, poorer infrastructure, high levels of wealth inequality Manufacturing and agriculture

Question 37

Least developed countries

Answer 37

Poorest countries Very low GDP, very poor infrastructure + standard of living Rely of foreign aid Subsistence agriculture Africa, Asia + Pacific