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Hegemonic Stability Theory posits that international order and stability are more likely to be maintained when a single nation-state holds dominant power, as it can enforce rules and norms that facilitate global cooperation. This theory suggests that the presence of a hegemon reduces the likelihood of conflict and promotes economic growth by providing public goods and reducing transaction costs in international relations.
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The Balance of Power is a central concept in international relations theory that suggests peace and stability are maintained when military capabilities are distributed so that no single nation or alliance can dominate others. It operates under the assumption that states will act to prevent any one entity from becoming too powerful, often leading to alliances and counterbalances to maintain equilibrium.
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International relations is the study of the interactions among states and non-state actors on the global stage, focusing on diplomacy, conflict, and cooperation. It encompasses a wide range of issues including security, trade, human rights, and environmental policies, seeking to understand the underlying forces that shape global politics.
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Conflict Theory, rooted in the works of Karl Marx, posits that society is in a state of perpetual conflict due to competition for limited resources, where social order is maintained by domination and power rather than consensus. It highlights the inherent inequalities within social structures and examines how power disparities contribute to social change and instability.
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Rising powers are nations experiencing significant economic growth and increasing influence in global affairs, challenging the existing international order dominated by established powers. These countries often leverage their growing economic clout to assert political and strategic interests, reshaping global power dynamics and contributing to a multipolar world order.
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The status quo refers to the existing state of affairs or the current condition of a situation, often implying resistance to change. It serves as a benchmark for evaluating potential changes, highlighting the tension between maintaining stability and pursuing progress.
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Great Power Politics refers to the strategic interactions and competition between the world's most powerful states, typically characterized by their pursuit of national interests, influence, and security in the international system. It often involves balancing power, forming alliances, and engaging in diplomacy, conflict, or economic competition to maintain or alter the global order.
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Systemic change involves transforming the structures, processes, and mindsets within a system to achieve sustainable and comprehensive improvements. It requires addressing the root causes of issues rather than just their symptoms, often necessitating collaboration across various sectors and disciplines.
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War and Peace Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the causes, dynamics, and consequences of conflict and the processes through which peace can be achieved and sustained. It integrates insights from political science, history, sociology, and international relations to understand the complexities of war and the strategies for fostering lasting peace.
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Political transition refers to the process of change from one political regime to another, often involving shifts in governance structures, leadership, or policy direction. It can be peaceful or violent, and its success depends on factors such as institutional stability, public support, and international influence.
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Geopolitical shifts refer to the changes in the global power structure, often influenced by economic, military, technological, and cultural factors, leading to the rise or decline of nations or regions. These shifts can reshape alliances, create new conflicts, and redefine international norms and policies, impacting global stability and economic development.
The distinction between status quo and revisionist states is central to understanding international relations, as it highlights the differing objectives states have regarding the global order. Status quo states aim to preserve the existing international system and their advantageous positions within it, whereas revisionist states seek to alter the system to better serve their interests, often challenging the established powers.
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Unipolarity refers to a global power structure dominated by a single superpower, which significantly influences international relations and global governance. This dominance is often characterized by unparalleled military, economic, and cultural influence, shaping the geopolitical landscape in its favor.
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Global power shifts refer to the changing dynamics of power and influence among nations, often driven by economic growth, technological advancements, and geopolitical strategies. These shifts can lead to the rise of new global leaders and the decline of traditional powers, reshaping international relations and global governance structures.
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Military overextension occurs when a nation's military commitments exceed its capacity to sustain them, leading to strategic vulnerabilities and potential decline in global influence. This often results from overambitious foreign policies or misjudgments about the costs and benefits of military engagements.
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The Thucydides Trap refers to the dangerous dynamic that occurs when a rising power threatens to displace an established one, often leading to conflict. This concept, derived from the ancient Greek historian Thucydides' analysis of the Peloponnesian War, highlights the inevitability of war when a dominant power is challenged by a growing rival.
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Geopolitical influences refer to the ways in which geography, economics, and demography impact a nation's politics and international relations. These influences shape power dynamics on the global stage, affecting everything from trade policies to military strategies.
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