Notes for Violent and non-violent state and non-state actors - IB | RevisionDojo
Violent and non-violent state and non-state actors Notes
Understanding State and Non-State Actors
Actors
State Actors
State actors are entities that represent a government or nation-state.
They have legitimate authority to use force and make decisions on behalf of their citizens.
Example
Military forces: Protect national security and sovereignty.
Law enforcement agencies: Maintain domestic order and enforce laws.
Diplomatic bodies: Engage in international relations and negotiations.
Non-State Actors
Non-state actors operate independently of government control.
They can be violent or non-violent and may pursue a wide range of goals.
Example
Terrorist groups: Use violence to achieve political objectives (e.g., ISIS, Boko Haram).
Rebel movements: Challenge state authority, often through armed conflict (e.g., FARC in Colombia).
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Advocate for social, environmental, or humanitarian causes (e.g., Amnesty International, Greenpeace).
Multinational corporations (MNCs): Influence economic and political decisions through their global operations (e.g., Apple, ExxonMobil).
Note
The distinction between state and non-state actors is not always clear-cut.
Some non-state actors may receive support from states, blurring the lines of accountability and legitimacy.
Violent State Actors
1. Military Forces
Role: Protect national security, defend borders, and engage in warfare.
Example
United States military: Involved in conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Russian armed forces: Engaged in Ukraine and Syria.
2. Law Enforcement Agencies
Role: Maintain domestic order, enforce laws, and combat crime.
Example
Police forces: May use force in situations like riots or counter-terrorism operations.
Special units: SWAT teams or counter-terrorism squads.
Note
While state actors have the legal right to use force, their actions are often subject to international law and human rights standards.
Violent Non-State Actors
1. Terrorist Groups
Characteristics:
Use violence to instill fear and achieve political goals.
Operate outside legal frameworks.
Example
Al-Qaeda: Responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
Boko Haram: Targets civilians in Nigeria and neighboring countries.
Note
Students often assume that all non-state actors are violent.
Remember that many non-state actors, such as NGOs and civil society groups, operate peacefully and play crucial roles in global governance.
2. Rebel Movements
Characteristics:
Challenge state authority, often seeking autonomy or regime change.
May control territory and engage in guerrilla warfare.
Example
The Syrian Civil War involves multiple violent non-state actors, including ISIS and various rebel factions.
These groups have significantly impacted regional stability and international security.
Non-Violent State Actors
1. Diplomatic Bodies
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Questions
Recap questions
1 of 5
Question 1
Recap question
In a hypothetical situation, an actor is authorized by a nation’s constitution to enforce domestic laws, use force during riots, and is accountable to courts. Which category best describes this actor?
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Note
Introduction to State and Non-State Actors
In global politics, actors can be broadly categorized into state and non-state entities.
State actors represent official government bodies, while non-state actors operate independently of government control.
DefinitionState ActorsEntities that represent a government or nation-state, possessing legitimate authority to make decisions and use force.
DefinitionNon-State ActorsOrganizations or groups that operate independently of government control, including both violent and non-violent entities.
ExampleExamples of state actors include national governments, military forces, and diplomatic missions.
ExampleExamples of non-state actors include terrorist groups, NGOs, and multinational corporations.
NoteThe distinction between state and non-state actors is crucial for understanding their roles and legitimacy in international relations.
