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Basic IR Terms

The document discusses various power dynamics and strategies in international relations, including concepts like hegemony, hard power, smart power, and relative power. It also explores global security concepts such as the security dilemma, disarmament, collective security, and the Responsibility to Protect. Additionally, it covers strategic frameworks like offshore balancing, India's Neighbourhood First Policy, nuclear doctrine, the QUAD alliance, and the idea of manufacturing consent in media.

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Rashi Thakur
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3 views

Basic IR Terms

The document discusses various power dynamics and strategies in international relations, including concepts like hegemony, hard power, smart power, and relative power. It also explores global security concepts such as the security dilemma, disarmament, collective security, and the Responsibility to Protect. Additionally, it covers strategic frameworks like offshore balancing, India's Neighbourhood First Policy, nuclear doctrine, the QUAD alliance, and the idea of manufacturing consent in media.

Uploaded by

Rashi Thakur
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Power dynamics and strategies

1.​ Hegemony - Hegemony refers to the ability of a state or a coalition to establish and
maintain dominance over others through a combination of coercion and consent. A
hegemon dictates global or regional political, economic, military, and cultural structures,
shaping international norms and institutions to align with its interests. Unlike mere power
superiority, hegemony involves institutionalizing influence, ensuring long-term
leadership.
Antonio Gramsci redefined hegemony by introducing the concept of cultural hegemony.
2.​ Hard Power - In international relations, hard power is the ability to shape the behavior of
others (states) through coercion or force rather than appeal and attraction. Hard power is
coercive, using military strength, economic sanctions, and threats to enact change.
Joseph Nye discussed the concept of ‘Hard Power’ alongside ‘Soft Power’ in his works
on power dynamics. Examples include military interventions (USA), economic sanctions
(Western countries), and territorial aggression (Russia).
3.​ Smart power - In international relations, smart power is the ability to strategically
combine both coercion (hard power) and appeal (soft power) to achieve goals effectively.
Smart power uses a balanced approach, leveraging military strength, economic
incentives, cultural influence, and diplomacy to enact change. Joseph Nye emphasized
the importance of smart power as the most effective way to exercise influence in a
complex, interconnected world. Examples include the Marshall Plan (USA), which
combined economic aid with political influence, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative,
blending investments with strategic partnerships.
4.​ Relative power - The concept is central to realist and neorealist theories, which argue
that In an anarchic international system (where no central authority governs states), a
state’s power is meaningful only in comparison to its rivals.
It has a zero - sum nature. Examples include the cold war and China-US Power Rivalry
(21st Century).

5.​ Wolf Warrior Diplomacy - It is a strategy employed by the Chinese government to


extend its ideology beyond China and counter the West and defend itself. Nature
describes an aggressive style of coercive diplomacy adopted by Chinese diplomats in
the 21st century under Chinese leader Xi Jinping's administration. This unofficial phrase
is derived from the title of the patriotic Chinese action film series 'Wolf Warrior'.

Global Order And Security Concept


1.​ Security dilemma - This term was first coined by John Herz in 1950 which refers to
situations where the actions taken by a state to increase its own security cause reactions
from other states, which, in turn, lead to increased tensions and potentially conflict. This
dilemma arises because the measures a state adopts to enhance its security—such as
building up its military, forming alliances, or securing strategic territories—often appear
threatening to other states. These states may then respond by adopting similar
measures, leading to an arms race, increased hostility, and a cycle of mutual suspicion
and antagonism.
2.​ Disarmament - Disarmament in international relations refers to the reduction or
elimination of military forces and weapons to ensure global peace and security. It can be
partial, targeting specific weapons, or general, aiming for complete elimination.
Historically, treaties like the NPT (1968) and SALT agreements have played key roles.
While disarmament fosters stability, challenges persist due to geopolitical rivalries and
national security concerns.

3.​ Collective Security - It is a device of Crisis management at International relations.


Collective security refers to the political and military strategy aimed at ensuring the
peace and stability of the international system by promoting cooperation and
coordination among states typically achieved through creation of International Relations.
Hans Morgenthau suggested “ One for all and all for one" as the watchword of Collective
security.

4.​ Responsibility to Protect - The Responsibility to Protect, often abbreviated R2P, is a


United Nation endorsed principle in Global Politics that asserts states have the primary
responsibility to protect their own people from crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing,
or other major human rights violations. If states fail to uphold this responsibility, it then
falls on the international community to protect people of the countries affected. The aim
is To end the worst forms of violence and persecution and To narrow the gap between
international law and the reality faced by populations at risk.

5.​ Offshore Balancing - Offshore balancing is a realist grand strategy where a great
power (such as the United States) avoids direct military engagement in foreign regions
but instead uses regional allies to maintain balance and prevent any single power from
dominating a strategically Nuclear Doctrine of India outlines its commitment to
responsible nuclear weapon use. Adopting a No First Use (NFU) policy, it emphasizes
deterrence and non-proliferation. The doctrine aims to maintain credible minimum
deterrence while ensuring a strong command-and-control structure, reflecting India’s
focus on strategic security and global nuclear stability.important area. Examples include,
U.S. Shift in the 21st Century Under Obama doctrine.

1.​ Strategic thought - In international relations refers to the intellectual framework used by
states and policymakers to achieve political and military objectives. It encompasses
theories and doctrines that guide decision-making in war, diplomacy, and security.
Rooted in works by thinkers like Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, and Mahan, strategic thought
evolves with technological advancements and geopolitical shifts, influencing policies on
deterrence, alliances, and power projection in global affairs.

2.​ Neighbourhood First Policy - The concept of the Neighbourhood First Policy came into
being in 2008. Under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, India is committed to developing
friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbours. India is an active
development partner and is involved in several projects in these countries. The policy
promotes connectivity, trade, and development while addressing shared challenges like
terrorism and climate change. It aligns with India's vision of regional stability and
collective growth.

3.​ Nuclear Doctrine - A nuclear doctrine of any nuclear weapon country


encompasses the goals and missions that guide the deployment and use of
nuclear weapons by that country both during peace and war. The dominant goals
of a nuclear doctrine most often include deterrence, target destruction, assurance
of allies, and a hedge against an uncertain future. India reaffirmed its
commitment to the nuclear doctrine of "No First Use" against nuclear-armed
states and non-use against non-nuclear states at the 2020 UN Conference on
Disarmament.

4.​ QUAD - Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is a strategic alliance between India,


the United States, Japan, and Australia, aimed at ensuring a free, open, and
inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Initially formed in 2007 and revived in 2017, QUAD
focuses on maritime security, countering China's assertiveness, promoting
economic cooperation, and addressing global challenges like climate change and
health security. While not a formal military alliance, it strengthens regional
stability through diplomatic and strategic collaboration.

5.​ Manufacturing Consent - It is a concept introduced by Edward S. Herman and


Noam Chomsky in their 1988 book Manufacturing Consent: The Political
Economy of the Mass Media. It argues that mass media serves the interests of
powerful elites by shaping public perception and controlling narratives. Through
mechanisms like ownership bias, advertising influence, and news sourcing,
media filters information to align with dominant political and economic interests,
subtly guiding public opinion rather than outright coercing it.

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