International Relations (IR): The study of interactions, relationships, and activities among states, international organizations, NGOs, and multinational corporations on the global stage. It examines how power is distributed, conflicts arise, and cooperation occurs across borders.
Global Politics (GP): A broader perspective that emphasizes how historical, cultural, and worldview differences—especially from the non-Western world—shape international relations. It critiques Eurocentric biases and incorporates post-colonial, feminist, queer, and green theories.
Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself without external interference within its borders. It is rooted in the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) and is fundamental to the international system.
Anarchy in IR: The absence of a central global authority above states, leading to a self-help system where states rely on their own means for security and survival.
1. What does the field of International Relations primarily study?
2. Which of the following is a major international organization involved in global politics?
3. What is the primary role of international organizations in global politics?
International Relations — definition?
Study of interactions among global actors.
Actors in IR — examples?
States, IOs, NGOs, MNCs.
Global Politics — focus?
Diverse worldviews shaping international relations.
Nation — key trait?
Shared cultural or ethnic identity.
State — key trait?
Sovereign political entity with territory.
Sovereignty — meaning?
State's authority to govern itself.
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