IB Global Politics The Legitimacy of Conflict Key Definitions

Just war theory is the ethical framework used to judge whether resorting to war is justified and whether the conduct of war meets moral limits. It has two parts: jus ad bellum (the right to go to war) and jus in bello (the right conduct within war).

Legitimacy refers to the perceived justification or acceptability of an action, decision, or institution.

Non-state actors (NSAs) are entities that operate independently of state control.

Power asymmetry refers to a situation where power, resources, or influence are distributed unequally between actors, giving one side a significant advantage over the other. This imbalance can shape relationships, negotiations, and conflicts. For example, developed countries dominating trade rules over developing countries, employers holding more bargaining power than workers, or a majority group controlling political institutions over minorities are all cases of power asymmetry.