International Politics
| Site: | aminamarbaniang.gnomio.com |
| Course: | aminamarbaniang.gnomio.com |
| Book: | International Politics |
| Printed by: | |
| Date: | Sunday, 22 March 2026, 6:38 AM |
1. Introduction
- Introduce the fundamental units of the international system, focusing on the distinction between state and non-state actors
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- Explain the legal and political characteristics that define a "State" as the primary actor in global affairs
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- Trace the historical evolution of international actors, particularly the growth of the United Nations and the emergence of non-state entities after World War II
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- Categorize various Non-State Actors (NSAs), including international organisations, regional blocs, trans-national actors, and NGOs
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- Analyse the shifting dynamics of power where state authority is increasingly challenged by technological advancement and global interdependence
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1.1. Nature of State
This text explores the evolving landscape of global governance, tracing the shift from a strictly state-centred system to one populated by diverse non-state actors. While the author affirms that the sovereign state remains the primary legal and territorial unit of international politics due to its monopoly on legitimate force, the narrative highlights how modern challenges and technology have eroded absolute state supremacy. The source categorises influential secondary participants into distinct groups, such as intergovernmental organisations like the United Nations, trans-national entities including multinational corporations and terrorist groups, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Ultimately, the document argues that a comprehensive understanding of world affairs is impossible without recognising how these varied actors now limit and influence the authority once held exclusively by nations.