IB Global Politics Concepts and Theories
Exam Review
State - ANS-Must have a population, governing body, territory and recognition by other
states
Nation - ANS-A large body of people united by common descent, history or culture and
language inhabiting a particular terrirtory
Nation State - ANS-A State that most citizens share or are united by common descent,
history, culture or language
Constitution - ANS-a body of fundamental principles according to which a state is
acknowledged to be governed. Can help to establish legitimacy
Power - ANS-A figure or a thing with higher superiority over something. The ability to
coerce others.
Soft Power - ANS-the ability to get "others to want the outcomes that you want", or the
ability to achieve goals through attraction rather than coersion
Hard Power - ANS-The ability to get others to act in ways that are contrary to their initial
preferences and strategies, by the use of military or economic threats
John Mearsheimer - ANS-Distinguished between different types of realism - defensive
and offensive
Legitimacy - ANS-an actor or an action being commonly considered acceptable and
provides the fundamental basis or rationale for all forms of governance and other ways
of exercising power over others
Democracy - ANS-A system of government that serves the interest of the whole
population, regardless of their participation in politics(elected representatives)
Totalitarianism - ANS-A absolute dictatorship that hides a democracy typically based on
the leader's claim to a monopoly of ideological wisdom. Rule by fear
, Natural (Human) Rights - ANS-God-given rights that are fundamental to human beings
and are therefore inalienable
Sovereignty - ANS-Unconditional power to govern itself, supreme power and authority
Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) - ANS-A governing body comprised of states
United Nations - ANS-Established in 1945, New York and is comprised of five major
organs: The General Assembly, The Security Council, The Secretariat, The International
Court of Justice and The Economic and Social Council
The Security Council - ANS-Maintenance of peace and security, main role is negotiator
observer and peace keeper and enforcer. Able to pass legally binding resolutions. Big 5
have veto powers and ten non permanent members
The General Assembly - ANS-All members of the UN, each with a vote. Debates and
passes resolutions, examines and approves the UN's budget and elects the
non-permanent members of the Security Council. 2/3rds majority needed to pass,
however they are only recommendations not enforceable laws
European Union - ANS-A Trading Block that evolved to other benefits including
economic, social and political.
World Trade Organization - ANS-Provides a framework and bureaucracy for negotiation
of trade agreements. Countries with bigger economies have larger influence and power
in discussions. Interdependence and cooperation
Multinational Corporations/Transnational Corporations - ANS-Non State Actors that
have influence in the running of the state, increases the foreign direct investment due to
their presence in multiple countires
Informal Forums - ANS-an opportunity for world leaders to meet and discuss matters of
global importance
G20 - ANS-An example of an informal forum. Works to address major issues related to
the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation,
and sustainable development
Realism - ANS-Emphasizes the role of the state and makes a broad assumption that all
nations-states are motivated by power
Exam Review
State - ANS-Must have a population, governing body, territory and recognition by other
states
Nation - ANS-A large body of people united by common descent, history or culture and
language inhabiting a particular terrirtory
Nation State - ANS-A State that most citizens share or are united by common descent,
history, culture or language
Constitution - ANS-a body of fundamental principles according to which a state is
acknowledged to be governed. Can help to establish legitimacy
Power - ANS-A figure or a thing with higher superiority over something. The ability to
coerce others.
Soft Power - ANS-the ability to get "others to want the outcomes that you want", or the
ability to achieve goals through attraction rather than coersion
Hard Power - ANS-The ability to get others to act in ways that are contrary to their initial
preferences and strategies, by the use of military or economic threats
John Mearsheimer - ANS-Distinguished between different types of realism - defensive
and offensive
Legitimacy - ANS-an actor or an action being commonly considered acceptable and
provides the fundamental basis or rationale for all forms of governance and other ways
of exercising power over others
Democracy - ANS-A system of government that serves the interest of the whole
population, regardless of their participation in politics(elected representatives)
Totalitarianism - ANS-A absolute dictatorship that hides a democracy typically based on
the leader's claim to a monopoly of ideological wisdom. Rule by fear
, Natural (Human) Rights - ANS-God-given rights that are fundamental to human beings
and are therefore inalienable
Sovereignty - ANS-Unconditional power to govern itself, supreme power and authority
Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) - ANS-A governing body comprised of states
United Nations - ANS-Established in 1945, New York and is comprised of five major
organs: The General Assembly, The Security Council, The Secretariat, The International
Court of Justice and The Economic and Social Council
The Security Council - ANS-Maintenance of peace and security, main role is negotiator
observer and peace keeper and enforcer. Able to pass legally binding resolutions. Big 5
have veto powers and ten non permanent members
The General Assembly - ANS-All members of the UN, each with a vote. Debates and
passes resolutions, examines and approves the UN's budget and elects the
non-permanent members of the Security Council. 2/3rds majority needed to pass,
however they are only recommendations not enforceable laws
European Union - ANS-A Trading Block that evolved to other benefits including
economic, social and political.
World Trade Organization - ANS-Provides a framework and bureaucracy for negotiation
of trade agreements. Countries with bigger economies have larger influence and power
in discussions. Interdependence and cooperation
Multinational Corporations/Transnational Corporations - ANS-Non State Actors that
have influence in the running of the state, increases the foreign direct investment due to
their presence in multiple countires
Informal Forums - ANS-an opportunity for world leaders to meet and discuss matters of
global importance
G20 - ANS-An example of an informal forum. Works to address major issues related to
the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation,
and sustainable development
Realism - ANS-Emphasizes the role of the state and makes a broad assumption that all
nations-states are motivated by power
