Political Science 144
Chapter 1-5: Terms to know
Balance of power realist theory, refers to an equilibrium between states; historical realists
regard it as the product of diplomacy, whereas structural realists regard the system as having a
tendency towards a natural equilibrium. It is a doctrine and an arrangement whereby the power
of one state (or a group of states) is checked by the countervailing power of other states
Law of nations used interchangeably with the term ‘international law’ , underlying legal
principles common to all nations
Clash of civilisations controversial idea first used by Samuel Huntington in 1993 to describe
the main cultural fault line of international conflict in a world without communism; the notion
has become more popular since 9/11
Total war term given to the 20th century’s 2 world wars to denote not only their global scale
but also the combatants pursuit of their opponents ‘unconditional surrender’. Signifies the
mobilization of entire populations – including women into factory work, auxiliary civil defense
units and as paramilitaries and paramedics – as part of the total call-up of all able-bodied citizens
in pursuit of victory
Détente relaxation of tension between East and West; Soviet-American Détente lasted from
late 60’s to late 70’s and was characterized by negotiations and nuclear arms control agreements
Superpowers term used to describe USA and Soviet Union after 1945, denoting their global
political involvements and military capabilities, including in particular their nuclear arsenals
Hegemony a system regulated by a dominant leader or political (and/or economic)
domination of a region, usually by a superpower. In realist theory, the influence of the great
power is able to establish on other states in the system; extent of influence ranges from
leadership to dominance. It’s also the power and control exercised by a leading state over other
states
Unipolarity a distribution of power internationally in which there is clearly only one dominant
power or ‘pole’. Some analysts argue that the international system became unipolar in 1990 since
there was no longer any rival to the American Power
Terrorism the use of illegitimate violence by sub-state groups to inspire fear, by attacking
civilians and/or symbolic targets. Done to draw widespread attention to grievance, provoking a
severe response, or wearing down their opponent’s moral resolve, to affect political change.
Global South an imprecise term that refers both to countries once called the Third World and
to the movement of peoples in the present time, within Third World areas of the world and to
advanced industrialized countries
1
Chapter 1-5: Terms to know
Balance of power realist theory, refers to an equilibrium between states; historical realists
regard it as the product of diplomacy, whereas structural realists regard the system as having a
tendency towards a natural equilibrium. It is a doctrine and an arrangement whereby the power
of one state (or a group of states) is checked by the countervailing power of other states
Law of nations used interchangeably with the term ‘international law’ , underlying legal
principles common to all nations
Clash of civilisations controversial idea first used by Samuel Huntington in 1993 to describe
the main cultural fault line of international conflict in a world without communism; the notion
has become more popular since 9/11
Total war term given to the 20th century’s 2 world wars to denote not only their global scale
but also the combatants pursuit of their opponents ‘unconditional surrender’. Signifies the
mobilization of entire populations – including women into factory work, auxiliary civil defense
units and as paramilitaries and paramedics – as part of the total call-up of all able-bodied citizens
in pursuit of victory
Détente relaxation of tension between East and West; Soviet-American Détente lasted from
late 60’s to late 70’s and was characterized by negotiations and nuclear arms control agreements
Superpowers term used to describe USA and Soviet Union after 1945, denoting their global
political involvements and military capabilities, including in particular their nuclear arsenals
Hegemony a system regulated by a dominant leader or political (and/or economic)
domination of a region, usually by a superpower. In realist theory, the influence of the great
power is able to establish on other states in the system; extent of influence ranges from
leadership to dominance. It’s also the power and control exercised by a leading state over other
states
Unipolarity a distribution of power internationally in which there is clearly only one dominant
power or ‘pole’. Some analysts argue that the international system became unipolar in 1990 since
there was no longer any rival to the American Power
Terrorism the use of illegitimate violence by sub-state groups to inspire fear, by attacking
civilians and/or symbolic targets. Done to draw widespread attention to grievance, provoking a
severe response, or wearing down their opponent’s moral resolve, to affect political change.
Global South an imprecise term that refers both to countries once called the Third World and
to the movement of peoples in the present time, within Third World areas of the world and to
advanced industrialized countries
1
