VCE Global Politics Definitions - Unit 3

National Interest

Used as an all-embracing concept to justify policy preferences and actions, and includes the goals or objectives of foreign policy. [Often depends on factors such as state formation, cultural and ethnic identity, ideology, historical links and relationships to foreign powers].

Diplomacy

Entire process in which state's conduct their foreign relations with one another. Means for states to co-operate and by which they resolve conflicts without force. An instrument of foreign policy most recognisable through the establishment of embassies and the work of ambassadors, ministers and envoys. Vehicle through which a state asserts itself and means by which it seeks to achieve its national interest. Occurs on bilateral and multilateral levels.

Political Power

*The characteristics of a state's domestic political system that impact on their capacity to influence other global actors. State's with legitimate and respected domestic political institutions, for example Australia, are considered to be more influential and hence more powerful than those lacking in legitimacy, for example Zimbabwe.

Diplomatic Power

*The deployment of a state's diplomatic resources, such as ambassadors and envoys, for the purpose of achieving that state's national interest in a fashion that does not include the use of coercive force. For example, Australia's membership in organisations such as APEC and the ARF.

Cultural Power

*The influence that desirable socio-cultural aspects of a state can have over other state's by functioning as an aspirational target, with transportable values creating a receptive audience for that state's aims. For example, Australia's development of cricket in the Asia-Pacific region.

Economic Power

*The strategic use of a state's economic resources performed with the intention of influencing the actions of another global actor. For example, Australia provided $29m aid to Nauru to influence their decision to accept asylum seekers for processing.

Military Power

*The use of a state's armed forces to influence the actions of another global actor through the use, or threatened use, of coercion. For example, Australia deployed its Defence Force to the Solomon Islands as part of RAMSI (2003).

Security

*Traditionally refers to protection of a state's borders from intruders and the maintenance of sovereignty, most commonly achieved through the use of military power. Has evolved to include softer forms of ________, such as access to resources (economic security) and protection of ecosystems (environmental security).

Globalisation

Acceleration and intensification of exchanges of goods, services, labour and capital which promote global interdependence. These have been facilitated by rapid changes in communication and technology. Has widespread impacts on social, political, economic and cultural life.

Propaganda

Form of communication aimed at influencing the attitude and perspective of the international community toward some cause or position by presenting a one-sided perspective. Can be used as an instrument of power to influence the actions of other global actors.

Nation

Groups of people claiming common bonds based on culture, language and history. Some ______s have their own state, such as the Japanese, whilst others want their own state such as the Tibetans and Kurds.

Global Governance

Institutions, rules, norms and legal arrangements that seek to facilitate cooperation, and manage relations, between states. Governance is carried out by both governmental organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and non-governmental organisations such as the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Third-Agenda Issues

Issues which affect a number of states at any one time and so require joint action to be resolved, for example global warming, migration and terrorism.

Sovereignty

Legitimate or widely recognised ability to exercise effective control of a territory within recognised borders. Primary organising principle of global politics which provides states with the authority to represent their territorial entity within the international community. State ___________ can be challenged internally (for example, secessionist groups) or externally (for example, one state invades another).

Nation-State

Political social grouping in which people within territorial boundaries, with recognised sovereignty, have common bonds based on culture, language and history.

Hard Power

Power exercised through coercion, or threatened acts of coercion, to influence the actions of other global actors. Most commonly exercised via military forms.

Idealism

School of thought in which foreign policy is influenced above all else by moral principle, as opposed to practical and pragmatic considerations.

Pragmatism

School of thought in which foreign policy is influenced above all else by practical and pragmatic considerations, as opposed to moral principles.

Public Opinion

Sentiment shared by the people. Can be an important factor in influencing the policy decisions of governments.

Multilateralism

System of coordinating relations between three or more states, usually in pursuit of objectives in particular areas.

Power

The ability of one global actor to influence the actions of another global actor. _____ can be exercised in a range of types and forms [such as military, economic, political, diplomatic and cultural].

Soft Power

The ability to shape the actions of other global actors most commonly exercised through diplomacy, culture, policies and history. A term first coined by Joseph Nye.

State

Traditionally the central actor in international relations, _____s possess a permanent population, defined territory and recognised sovereignty. _____s are not necessarily culturally homogenous, for example Australia.