UNIT 1: Power, sovereignty and international relations Flashcards
What is POWER?
The ability to effect change.
What is SOVEREIGNTY?
A state’s independence, and its ability to exert control over their territory and to govern themselves.
What is LEGITIMACY?
Involves the general acceptance and recognition of a governing authority’s right to rule.
How do IGO’s question or enhance the LEGITIMACY of a state?
QUESTION: When a state doesn’t respect the policies, laws or rules ratified, it questions their legitimacy.
ENHANCE: Recognition from other states because you join the UN, adds to your legitimacy.
How do IGO’s put into question the SOVEREIGNTY of a state? (WTO, UN)
WTO: sovereignty is questioned when state policies need to be changed showing incapability of controlling their own state, they are being controlled
UN: they try to secure human rights in vulnerable places, so they intervene, their sovereignty was questioned, as they were under attack, showed how able they were to maintain control over their country
When are IGO’s unable to QUESTION a state’s SOVEREIGNTY?
Many times IGO’s can’t overpower, so they fail to intervene or change the course of action or of any state.
Example:
VETO POWER —> powerful countries aren’t subject to the rules of the UN
How do NGOs question a STATE’s SOVEREIGNTY and LEGITIMACY?
LEGITIMACY:
1. Exposition of HRs violations ruins a state’s international recognition and reputation and undermines legitimacy.
2. Criticizes the state’s authority
SOVEREIGNTY:
1. Shows state’s incapability to effectively control and oversee what happens in their territory
What are MULTILATERAL ACTORS?
An alliance of multiple countries pursuing a common goal.
What is INTERDEPENDENCE?
A mutual reliance between and among groups, organizations and/or states for access to resources that sustain living arrangements.
Which are the types of mutual reliance between states?
- Economic (trade)
- Security dimension (defense arrangements)
- Sustainability dimension (environmental treaties).
Which are the differences between the realist and liberal perspectives?
Realism (mearsheimer): states are the main actor in international politics. The theory entails that states live in a state of fear and anarchy, with absence of central government, believing they can rely on no one but themselves for security.
–> States will seek to become as powerful as they can to protect themselves.
Liberalism: they have a more cooperative view of the world. In a liberalist view, a lot of actors influence outcomes in global politics and share a primary concern for justice, liberty and equality.
Which are the different sources of power?
- Control of and access to crucial RESOURCES.
- A nation’s geographical location or its strategic alliances, GEOPOLITICAL INFLUENCE.
- Holding key positions in or dominating international organizations, INSTITUTIONAL CONTROL.
- Access to information.
What are STATES?
A political entity distinguished by a defined territory, population, a sovereign government. They are the primary players/actors in global politics.
How is power exercised in an economic context?
- Economic Incentives: countries offer trade advantages, reduced tariffs.
- Sanctions: restrictions are imposed to force a change in behavior or policy.
How is power exercised in a military context?
- Direct Use of Force
- Coercive Diplomacy: bargaining chip
What is HARD POWER vs SOFT POWER?
HARD POWER: use of coercion by a state or entity to deter other actors.
–> Immediate impact
–> Risk of escalation
–> Image damage
SOFT POWER: ability of a state or entity to shape the preferences and behaviours of other actors based on the attractiveness of its culture, political values, and foreign policies.
–> Strengthening relationships in long-term
–> Promotes positive image
What is a NATION?
A significant group of people bonded by shared cultural, ethnic, or historical ties.
What was meant by WESTPHALIAN SOVEREIGNTY?
That in global politics, state supremacy is predominant, where every state became the ultimate authority within its defined territorial limits.
Which are some CHALLENGES to state SOVEREIGNTY?
- Globalisation: international trade agreements means states sometimes have limited influence over their own economic policies.
- Supranational entities: challenge state sovereignty by making decisions that impact member nations. Ex. (EU) membership requires countries to adhere to EU laws and regulations.
- Humanitarian Intervention: rooted in the idea that sovereignty isn’t just a right but a responsibility, arguing for intervention when states fail to protect their citizens from mass atrocities.
What is the UNITED NATIONS?
An IGO, founded in 1945 in the aftermath of World War II, with the intent of preventing future global conflicts, promote human rights, and foster development.
Role of AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL?
- Human Rights Advocacy: Works towards the global protection and advocacy of human rights.
- Research: In-depth documentation of HR abuses, often leading to global awareness campaigns.
Effectiveness and Limitations in Addressing GLOBAL ISSUES?
Effectiveness:
1. Setting global standards, international interactions become more predictable and consistent.
2. Pooling Resources: Collective efforts can harness resources more effectively to address challenges.
3. Peace and Stability: Cooperative efforts in security can deter potential conflicts and foster an atmosphere of trust.
Limitations:
1. Enforceability: absence of a centralised global enforcement mechanism weakens the effectiveness of many international agreements.
2. Inequitable Representation: Decision-making structures sometimes reflect historic power dynamics, rather than equitable representation.
3. Sovereignty Concerns: International regulations can be viewed as infringing on national sovereignty.
What are SOCIAL MOVEMENTS?
COMMON AIM that binds or affiliates people: produce a change in society through collective action
CONFORMED OF: militants and sympathizers
–> grows from social demand, no necessary leader
What are VIOLENT PROTEST MOVEMENTS?
Movements which rise by the lost faith on governments and their institutional capabilities to address relevant issues that affect well-being, and hence justify the violence used to advance on their goals.
