IB Global Politics Interactions of Political Stakeholders and Actors Key Definitions

Conflict resolution is the process of addressing the underlying causes of conflict and finding mutually acceptable solutions. Common methods include negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and peacekeeping.

International law is a body of rules, norms, and principles that govern the relationships and interactions between states, international organizations, and, in some cases, individuals. It is designed to promote peace, security, cooperation, and justice on a global scale.

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

Those who bear the greatest cumulative harm in a conflict, often because multiple vulnerability factors overlap.

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

A state is a political and legal entity that holds sovereignty over a defined territory and population, claims the monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force within that territory, and is recognised as independent by other states.

A state actor is a government or an institution acting on its behalf, such as the military, police, or diplomatic service. State actors hold the recognised legal authority to govern a territory and to use force within it.

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

Populations at heightened risk during conflict because of factors such as age, gender, disability, or displacement status that limit their capacity to protect themselves or access aid.