IPC study unit 2

• International politics deals with differences that arise from the wants and needs of collective entities known as states
• International politics refers to the process in which states (and other participants) differ from and compete with one another
• Non-state actors, such as intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations, participate in international politics to advance their work outside the intergovernmental arena
• Participants in international politics

  • States
  • Intergovernmental organizations
  • Non-governmental organizations
• Despite the absence of an enforcing supreme authority, order exists in international politics
• Non-state actors, such as intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, also participate in international politics
• Examples of resources or means in international politics

  • Monetary wealth
  • Territory
  • Raw materials
  • Power
• Differences in international politics arise because the contenders frequently outnumber the resources or means
• International politics involves differences arising from the allocation of (scarce) resources or means and results from efforts to resolve such differences
• The unique nature of international politics becomes most apparent when comparing it with politics conducted within the geographic borders of states, where there is a final arbitrator of differences (the government)
• In international politics, states must protect and promote their own interests due to the absence of a world government
• States are the primary participants in international politics, and their relationships are governed by rules and norms
• International politics is not self-explanatory and originates in differences on any issue that affects more than one participant
• The absence of a world government to settle disputes between states and other participants characterizes international politics as anarchy
• Disputes in international politics are settled or remain unresolved within a framework where there is no overall government to act as an arbitrator
• There is no final arbitrator of differences in international politics, unlike within a state where a government makes enforceable decisions
• A set of mutually accepted rules lend meaningful order to the process of international politics
• This order allows for the use of terms such as “international society” and “international political system” when referring to states (and other participants) in their relations with one another
• International politics

  A form of politics that occurs between different participants, such as states, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations. It arises from differences and involves efforts to resolve those differences. It lacks a final arbitrator, resulting in a system often described as anarchy
• Despite the absence of a supreme ruler, there are rules to govern the relationships between states in international politics
• These rules are not enforced by an overall government but are still adhered to by states and other participants
• What is the focal point of the international system and the basic institution of the international community?

  The state
• What is the internal authority within the borders of a state and serves as the final arbitrator?

  government
• In international politics, the absence of a supreme ruler, which characterises international politics, is referred to as?

  Anarchy
• Which of the following is incorrect about the concept of ' state'? 1. A state and government are synonymous. 2. A state is a spatially confined unit. 3. A state is a permanently occupied by a population. 4. A state is governed by a central authority.

  1. A state and government are synonymous.
• South Africa is an example of what kind of state?

  Multinational state
• Which of the following is incorrect about governments? a. Governments are agents of the state. b. governments are stable institutions. c. Governments regulate foreign policy. d. governments exercise power over its populations.

  b. governments are stable institutions
• A state's supreme authority to manage its internal affairs and foreign relations refers to?

  State sovereignty
• The protection of a state's population and territory, as well as the preservation of its national value system, refers to?

  National Interest
• International organisations exist because?

  State interests are advanced through international cooperation.
• An international organisation where states give up a significant amount of their state sovereignty is known as?

  Supranational organization
• Identify the theory that posits that the state is the prominent actor in international politics.

  Realism
• Realists describe international politics as a struggle for?

  Power
• Realism is based on the premise that state behaviour in international politics can be explained by?

  Human nature
• What is the realist view of national interest in international politics?

  States seek survival in international politics
• According to Neo-realism, states?

  form alliances
• Neo-realism explains anarchy in international politics as?

  Relation of equality between states
• What view describes the primary premise of Neoliberal Institutionalism?

  State action is determined by institutional arrangements
• Neo-realism and Neoliberal institutionalism share the view that?

  The international system id decentralised
• According to what, both the state and non-state actors are important in the international system?

  Pluralism