Polarity Flashcards
(19 cards)
What does polarity describe?
The nature of the international system at any given time in terms of how power is distributed.
Define unipolarity.
An international system in which there is one dominant pole.
What is bipolarity?
An international system revolving around two poles.
What characterizes multipolarity?
An international system revolving around three or more poles.
What is a key feature of unipolarity/hegemony?
A lack of constraints or potential rivals to the one pre-eminent power.
What are the two types of hegemony in unipolarity?
- Predatory hegemony
- Benign hegemony
How do realists view unipolarity?
As a natural consequence of states seeking power and security in an anarchic system.
What is the role of the dominant power in a unipolarity?
Acts as the ‘world’s police officer’, intervening in conflicts that threaten peace, security, or human rights.
What do the terms Pax Britannica and Pax Americana refer to?
The roles played by Britain and the United States in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries respectively.
True or False: Liberals fear the emergence of a predatory hegemon.
True
What defines a genuinely bipolar system?
Near-equality, or balance of power, between the two predominant states.
What is the realist perspective on bipolarity?
It is a natural tendency in the world order that promotes peace and stability.
What do liberals argue about bipolarity?
It does not curb the ambitions of states and leads to an arms race, tension, and insecurity.
Define multipolarity.
An international system in which there are three or more power centres.
What do neo-realists argue about multipolarity?
It is inherently unstable due to the increased number of possible conflicts.
How do liberals view a multipolar world?
It promotes multilateralism, greater co-operation, and integration.
What were the two major obstacles to peace and co-operation after the Cold War?
- The United Nations Security Council protecting the old world order
- Difficulties in promoting partnership between the US and Russia
What has hampered peacekeeping missions by the UN?
Disagreements between permanent members and the need for permission from sovereign states.
What issues have prevented good relations between the US and Russia?
- Disagreements over Kosovo
- Disagreements over Ukraine
- Disagreements over Georgia
- NATO’s eastward expansion
