IB Global Politics Interactions of Political Stakeholders and Actors Key Definitions

Refers to countries with lower levels of economic and industrial development, typically found south of more developed nations.

Inequality refers to the uneven distribution of resources, opportunities, and power among individuals, groups, or nations.

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) are formal institutions made up of two or more states that work together on common issues such as peace, security, trade, or the environment. They are established through treaties and operate under international law, meaning member states are legally bound by the organization’s rules.

International Financial Institutions (IFIs) are a specific type of IGO focused on economic and financial issues. They play a vital role in stabilizing economies, promoting development, and facilitating international trade.

Intersectionality is a framework, developed by Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989, that analyses how overlapping social identities such as race, gender, and class interact to produce distinct and compounded forms of discrimination or disadvantage.

Marginalization occurs when individuals or groups are pushed to the edges of society, denied equal opportunities, or excluded from decision-making processes.

Multinational Companies (MNCs) operate in multiple countries but maintain a strong centralized headquarters in their home country.

Transnational Companies (TNCs) operate across borders with a more decentralized structure, allowing local subsidiaries to make decisions.

UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2007, establishes the collective and individual rights of indigenous peoples including rights to self-determination, land, culture, and free, prior, and informed consent.

Vulnerability refers to the increased risk of harm or disadvantage due to specific factors such as poverty, discrimination, or lack of access to resources.