U1 AOS 1 Global actors Flashcards
What is a global actor?
Various entities which influence global politics
What is a state?
A central actor in global politics, possessing a permanent population, defined territory and recognised sovereignty.
What is sovereignty?
The legitimate or widely recognised ability to exercise effective control of a territory within its recognised borders.
What does sovereignty provide states with?
Ability to exercise powers within borders, provides ability to join organisations such as the UN
Is the fundamental aim of states to maintain
What is a nation?
Groups of people claiming common bonds based on culture, language and history. Nations do not have recognised sovereignty.
How can sovereignty be characterised?
- Effective and legitimate control over territory
- Territory not ruled by outside authority
- Other states and UN recognise state’s sovereignty
Because nations do not have recognised sovereignty…
- cannot seek membership of the UN or other organisations
- lack of international recognition of borders or territory.
What is a nation-state?
Political or social grouping within territorial boundaries, which has recognised sovereignty.
What are the characteristics of a nation-state?
- common bonds based on culture, language and history,
- state, but population is culturally homogenous.
What is the difference between a state and a nation-state?
States are usually not culturally homogenous whereas nation-states are.
What are the roles of states?
- Defend borders (maintaining sovereignty) against external or internal threats
- Justice and order through enforcement
- Economic management and social services
- Representing population and territory within international community (UN membership)
What are the aims of states?
Protect borders and maintain security
Achieve national interest - what is best for state at time
