1.Engaging International Relations and World Politics
" The emerging international system is likely to be quite different from those that preceded it....At the politico-military level, we remain in a single-superpower world. But in every other dimension-industrial, financial, educational, social, cultural-the distribution of power is shifting, moving away from american dominance. That does not mean we are entering an anti-American world. But we are moving into a post-American world, one defined and directed from many places and by many people." Fareed Zakaria, Editor-at-Large of Time Magazine
Key Terms
Globalization. The continual increase in worldwide economic, social and cultural interactions that transcend the
boundaries of states and the resultant political implications.
Sovereignty. A claim to political authority to make policy or take actions domestically or abroad ; based on
territory and autonomy, historically associated with the modern state.
International organization. An institution composed of states as members( for example , the U.N, E.U, NATO)
Norms. Values that states or people take seriously and that influence behavior, such as human rights.
Nongovernmental organizations. Transnational organizations that have a standing independent of
governments, often with a diverse membership that works to fulfill specific political, social, or economic objectives.
Global civil society. The gradual worldwide emergence of the rule of law and networks or relationships among
people in a world composed of both state and nonstate actors.
- States, often viewed in terms of their political leaders, are seen by most observers as the
key actors in international relations.
- Although consisting of state actors, international organizations can also play key roles in
international relations and world politics.
- Osama bin Laden, former head of the al-Qaeda terrorist organization, exempifies the
power of a nonstate actor.
- Multinational corporations increasingly became key nongovernmental actors during the
twentieth century.
International Relations. Conventionally refers to relations among states.
World politics. Refers to relations among states but also international organizations
and nongovernmental organizations.
Security. The basic survival and protection of a state, but can also refer to individuals.
Economy. The production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. While conventionally focusing on
the state, it can also be applied to the economic well-being of individuals.
Identity. Consists of the answer to the question" Who am I?" May be associated with a state, religion, ethnicity,
and have political implications.
* Read and Listen to chap.1 at mypoliscilab.com
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