Unit 4: Power, Sovereignty, and International Relations
Power and sovereignty are fundamental concepts in international relations that dictate how states and non-state actors interact. The chapter outlines the importance of different types of power—hard, soft, and smart—as well as the complexities of sovereignty in a globalized world. It also discusses the roles of key international organizations and provides real-world case studies demonstrating the interplay between power dynamics and global cooperation.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Power is central to international interactions and can be classified into hard, soft, and smart types.
- Sovereignty entails full control over a state's affairs and is challenged by globalization and international institutions.
- Both state and non-state actors play significant roles in shaping global politics and international relations.
Key Concepts
- -- Power
- The ability to influence others and control outcomes to achieve desired objectives.
- -- Hard Power
- Coercive power, often involving military force or economic sanctions.
- -- Soft Power
- The ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion.
- -- Sovereignty
- A state's full control over its internal affairs and recognition by other states as an independent actor.
- -- International Organizations
- Entities such as the UN, WTO, and IMF that influence international relations.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.