World Affairs Glossaries
International Law: Core Concepts Introduction International law is the body of rules and principles that governs relations among states and other actors recognized as having rights and obligations under international law. It provides frameworks for international cooperation, treaties, diplomacy, human rights, armed conflict, trade, territorial disputes and the peaceful settlement of disputes. International law differs…
Treaties, Conventions and International Agreements Introduction International agreements are among the principal instruments through which states create legal obligations and establish frameworks for international cooperation. The term treaty is often used broadly, but international legal instruments may have different names, forms and functions, including conventions, protocols, covenants, charters, agreements and memoranda of understanding. Core Terms…
Jurisdiction, Immunity and State Responsibility Introduction Jurisdiction concerns legal authority, immunity concerns protection from certain exercises of jurisdiction, and state responsibility concerns the legal consequences of internationally wrongful conduct. Together, these concepts are central to understanding international disputes, diplomatic relations, international courts and relations between states. Jurisdiction Jurisdiction: Legal authority to regulate conduct, adjudicate disputes…
International Humanitarian Law Introduction International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is the body of international law applicable during armed conflict. It seeks to limit the effects of war by protecting persons who are not, or are no longer, participating in hostilities and by restricting the means and methods of warfare. IHL is also commonly called the law…
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…