IB Board Grade 12 – Individuals and Societies | Unit 4: Power, Sovereignty, and International Relations by Prakhar Chauhan | Learn Smarter
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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.

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Sections

  • 4

    Power, Sovereignty, And International Relations

    This section examines the fundamental concepts of power and sovereignty in international relations, their impact on global politics, and the roles of key actors and organizations.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1

    Understanding Power In International Relations

    Power is a core concept in international relations, influencing how states interact, negotiate, and compete.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1.1

    Definition Of Power

    Power is the capacity of individuals or groups to influence others and control outcomes, crucial for interactions among states in international relations.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1.2

    Types Of Power

    This section outlines the different types of power used in international relations, emphasizing hard, soft, and smart power.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1.2.1

    Hard Power

    Hard power is a type of coercive power utilized by states through military force or economic sanctions to influence others.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1.2.2

    Soft Power

    Soft power is the ability of a state to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1.2.3

    Smart Power

    Smart power blends hard and soft power strategies to achieve foreign policy objectives effectively.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1.3

    Theories Of Power

    This section explores various theories of power in international relations, including realism, liberalism, and constructivism.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1.3.1

    Realism

    Realism emphasizes the role of power in international relations as a zero-sum game, where states seek to maximize power for survival in an anarchic system.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1.3.2

    Liberalism

    Liberalism in international relations emphasizes cooperation, interdependence, and the importance of international institutions, contrasting with more power-centric approaches.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1.3.3

    Constructivism

    Constructivism emphasizes that power in international relations is shaped by social constructs, ideas, identities, and norms rather than solely on material capabilities.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2

    Understanding Sovereignty

    This section defines sovereignty as the control of a state over its internal affairs and examines its historical evolution and types.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.1

    Definition Of Sovereignty

    Sovereignty is the principle that asserts a state's authority over its internal and external affairs, free from external interference.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.2

    Historical Evolution Of Sovereignty

    This section covers the historical development of sovereignty, emphasizing the significance of Westphalian sovereignty and the challenges posed by globalization and supranational entities.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.2.1

    Westphalian Sovereignty

    Westphalian sovereignty marks the establishment of modern international relations through the locus of state control over territory and independence.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.2.2

    Challenges To Sovereignty

    This section discusses the complexities of sovereignty in the context of globalization and other modern influences that challenge traditional notions of state authority.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.3

    Types Of Sovereignty

    This section discusses the various types of sovereignty, including legal, political, and popular sovereignty, and their implications in international relations.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.3.1

    Legal Sovereignty

    Legal sovereignty refers to the authority of a state to create and enforce laws independently.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.3.2

    Political Sovereignty

    Political sovereignty refers to the actual exercise of power by a government and its significance in maintaining order and authority within a state.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.3.3

    Popular Sovereignty

    Popular sovereignty asserts that the power of the state resides with the people, primarily through democratic processes.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.3

    State And Non-State Actors In Global Politics

    This section explores the roles of state and non-state actors in shaping global politics and their implications for international relations.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.3.1

    State Actors

    This section examines state actors as the primary entities in international relations, detailing their roles in shaping global politics.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.3.2

    Non-State Actors

    This section explores non-state actors in international relations, including their definitions and examples.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.3.2.1

    International Organizations

    This section explores the role of international organizations in global politics, focusing on their purpose, functions, and challenges.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.3.2.2

    Non-Governmental Organizations (Ngos)

    Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in international relations by influencing global issues and advocating for various causes.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.3.2.3

    Multinational Corporations (Mncs)

    Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are global business entities that operate in multiple countries, influencing international relations and economic policies.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.3.2.4

    Terrorist Groups

    This section examines terrorist groups as non-state actors in international relations, their impact on global politics, and examples of notable groups.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.3.2.5

    Transnational Advocacy Networks

    Transnational advocacy networks promote social and political change across borders by mobilizing support for their causes.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4

    Major International Organizations And Their Roles

    This section discusses the significant international organizations, their purposes, structures, functions, and the challenges they face in global politics.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.1

    United Nations (Un)

    The United Nations is a pivotal international organization focused on maintaining peace, promoting human rights, and fostering global cooperation.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.1.1

    Purpose

    This section discusses the significance of power and sovereignty in international relations and how they influence the behavior of states and non-state actors.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.1.2

    Structure

    This section examines the roles and structures of major international organizations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and International Monetary Fund in shaping global politics.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.1.3

    Peacekeeping

    This section explores the role of peacekeeping within international relations, focusing on the mechanisms and challenges involved in maintaining global peace and security.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.1.4

    Challenges

    This section examines the contemporary challenges to power and sovereignty within international relations, especially in the context of globalization and humanitarian interventions.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.2

    World Trade Organization (Wto)

    The World Trade Organization (WTO) is a key international institution that regulates global trade rules and resolves trade disputes.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.2.1

    Purpose

    This section explores the purpose of international organizations in maintaining global peace and stability.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.2.2

    Functions

    This section elaborates on the key functions of major international organizations, emphasizing their roles in global governance and international relations.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.2.3

    Criticism

    This section covers the various criticisms of major international organizations, focusing on their roles, effectiveness, and the challenges they face.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.3

    International Monetary Fund (Imf)

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) aims to stabilize the international monetary system by offering financial assistance and economic advice to countries in need.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.3.1

    Purpose

    This section examines the purpose of major international organizations in fostering cooperation and maintaining stability in global politics.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.3.2

    Functions

    This section explores the role of functions within the context of international organizations and their influence on global politics.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.3.3

    Criticism

    This section examines criticisms associated with major international organizations and their roles.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.5

    Case Studies On International Conflicts And Cooperation

    This section reviews pivotal case studies that illustrate the dynamics of international conflicts and cooperation, highlighting the interplay of power and sovereignty.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.5.1

    Case Study 1: The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

    The Cuban Missile Crisis represents a critical confrontation between the USA and USSR during the Cold War, highlighting power dynamics and diplomatic negotiations.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.5.2

    Case Study 2: The European Union (Eu)

    This section examines the European Union as a case study of regional integration and shared sovereignty among member states.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.5.3

    Case Study 3: United Nations Peacekeeping In Rwanda (1994)

    This section analyzes the challenges faced by UN peacekeeping forces during the Rwandan genocide in 1994, highlighting implications for sovereignty and humanitarian intervention.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.6

    Summary

    This chapter summarizes the key concepts of power and sovereignty and their impact on international relations.

    Learning Practice

References

Untitled document (12).pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Power is central to interna...
  • Sovereignty entails full co...
  • Both state and non-state ac...

Final Test

Revision Tests