Glossaries World Affairs
International Courts and Tribunals Introduction International courts and tribunals provide legal mechanisms for resolving disputes, interpreting international law and, in some cases, determining individual criminal responsibility. They differ in jurisdiction, subject matter, legal basis, parties that may appear before them and the types of decisions they can issue. International Court of Justice International Court of…
Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Diplomacy Introduction Negotiation and mediation are among the principal peaceful methods used to manage international disputes and prevent escalation. Negotiation involves direct discussion between parties. Mediation introduces a third party that assists disputing parties in reaching an agreement. Conflict diplomacy encompasses the broader diplomatic efforts used to prevent, manage, resolve or…
Public, Economic and Digital Diplomacy Introduction Modern diplomacy extends beyond traditional government-to-government communication. States increasingly use public diplomacy, economic diplomacy and digital diplomacy to pursue foreign-policy objectives. These forms of diplomacy often overlap and may involve governments, businesses, universities, media organizations, civil society and international institutions. Public Diplomacy Public Diplomacy: Government communication and engagement with…
Bilateral and Multilateral Diplomacy Introduction Diplomatic relations can be organized through different levels and formats. Bilateral diplomacy focuses on relations between two states, while multilateral diplomacy involves three or more states, often through international organizations or conferences. Both forms are important in contemporary international relations. Bilateral Diplomacy Bilateral Diplomacy: Diplomatic engagement between two states. Bilateral…
Diplomacy and Diplomatic Practice Introduction Diplomacy is the principal peaceful method through which states and other international actors communicate, negotiate and manage relations. Diplomatic practice includes representation, negotiation, information gathering, communication, dispute management and the development of international relationships. Core Concepts Diplomacy: The conduct of international relations through communication, negotiation, representation and peaceful engagement. Diplomatic…
Foreign Policy: Concepts and Terminology Introduction Foreign policy refers to the principles, objectives, decisions and actions through which a state manages its relations with other states and international actors. It is one of the principal ways through which a state pursues its national interests beyond its borders. Foreign policy is influenced by domestic politics, national…
Feminist, Postcolonial and Green Approaches Introduction Feminist, postcolonial and green approaches broaden the study of International Relations by examining issues that traditional theories may underemphasize, including gender, colonial legacies, environmental security, ecological limits and unequal experiences of global politics. These approaches are diverse and should not be treated as single unified theories. Feminist International Relations…
Marxist, Critical and Dependency Approaches Introduction Marxist, critical and dependency approaches examine international politics through questions of economic structure, capitalism, inequality, class, exploitation, historical power and global hierarchy. These approaches challenge theories that treat states and international institutions as politically neutral or independent from broader economic and social structures. Marxism Marxism: A body of social,…
Constructivism Introduction Constructivism is a major approach to International Relations that emphasizes the importance of ideas, identities, norms, beliefs and social interaction in shaping international politics. Constructivists argue that international reality is not determined solely by material capabilities. The meanings that states and societies attach to power, interests, threats and institutions also matter. Core Concepts…
Liberalism and Neoliberal Institutionalism Introduction Liberalism is a major theoretical tradition in International Relations that emphasizes cooperation, institutions, economic interdependence, domestic political structures, international law and the possibility of reducing conflict. Neoliberal institutionalism retains important liberal assumptions while placing particular emphasis on how international institutions can facilitate cooperation even under conditions of international anarchy. Liberalism…
Realism and Neorealism Introduction Realism is one of the major theoretical traditions in International Relations. It emphasizes power, national interest, security, competition and the constraints created by an international system without a central world government. Neorealism, also called Structural Realism, reformulates realism by placing particular emphasis on the structure of the international system and the…
Hegemony, Polarity and Power Transition Introduction The international system can be analyzed according to how power is distributed among major actors. Three important concepts in this context are hegemony, polarity and power transition. Hegemony Hegemony: A condition in which one state possesses sufficient material and other forms of influence to exercise predominant leadership within an…
Balance of Power and Balance of Threat Introduction The concepts of balance of power and balance of threat are central to theories of international security. Both concern how states respond to the capabilities and behaviour of other states. Balance of Power Balance of Power: A condition or strategy in which power is distributed among states…
National Power and Comprehensive National Power Introduction National power refers to the overall capabilities available to a state for pursuing its national interests. It is broader than military strength and includes economic, diplomatic, technological, demographic, geographic and institutional capabilities. The term Comprehensive National Power (CNP) is particularly associated with assessments of the combined capabilities of…
Hard Power, Soft Power and Smart Power Introduction States influence other actors through different forms of power. The concepts of hard power, soft power and smart power provide a useful framework for understanding the instruments of influence available to states. Hard Power Hard Power: The ability to influence behaviour through coercion, military force or material…
Power in International Relations Introduction Power is one of the central concepts of International Relations. It concerns the ability of states and other actors to influence behaviour, shape outcomes, control resources, resist pressure or achieve desired objectives. Power is not limited to military strength. Economic resources, diplomacy, technology, institutions, geography, population, political stability and international…
State Power, Capacity and Legitimacy Introduction A state’s ability to pursue its interests depends not only on the resources it possesses but also on its ability to convert those resources into effective governance and political outcomes. Three related concepts are particularly important: State Power concerns the ability of the state to influence outcomes. State Capacity…
National Interest and National Objectives Introduction National interest is one of the most frequently used concepts in international relations and foreign policy. It refers broadly to the interests, goals and priorities that a state seeks to protect or advance. The precise meaning of national interest varies according to political systems, historical circumstances, security conditions, economic…
Recognition, Independence and Self-Determination Introduction The concepts of recognition, independence and self-determination are central to questions concerning statehood, sovereignty and the creation or transformation of political entities. They are particularly important in understanding decolonization, secessionist movements, disputed territories and the emergence of new states. Recognition Recognition: The acknowledgment by a state or group of states…
Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity Introduction Sovereignty is one of the foundational principles of the modern international system. It concerns the authority of a state to govern itself and exercise control over its territory and population. Territorial integrity refers to the principle that a state’s territory should not be violated or unlawfully altered through external force…