IB Global Politics Debates on Rights and Justice Key Definitions

Collective rights are the rights held by groups of people, often tied to their shared identity, culture, or history, such as Indigenous peoples’ rights to land or the right of minority groups to preserve their language and traditions.

Cultural relativism is the view that rights and moral standards are products of particular cultures rather than universal absolutes. It treats human rights claims as legitimate only when they fit local traditions, religion, and history.

Deterrence focuses on discouraging potential aggressors through the threat of retaliation or punishment.

Humanitarian intervention refers to the use of military force by one or more states in another state without the latter's consent, with the primary aim of preventing or stopping widespread suffering or human rights abuses.

Humanitarian stakeholders are individuals, organizations, and institutions involved in providing aid and relief during crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, and pandemics.

Individual rights are the freedoms and entitlements held by each person, such as freedom of speech, the right to privacy, and the right to a fair trial, which protect individuals from interference by the state or others.

Justice refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and treatment.

When actors use rights language for political gain rather than genuine concern for justice.

Recognition in political theory refers to the acknowledgement of the distinct identity, culture, or status of an individual or group by the state or society, as distinct from redistribution of material resources.

Rights are fundamental entitlements or freedoms that individuals possess, often considered essential for dignity, equality, and justice.

A sanction is a non-military penalty, such as a trade restriction, asset freeze, or travel ban, that a state or intergovernmental organisation imposes to pressure another actor into changing its behaviour. Sanctions are used as an alternative to force, often in response to human rights violations or aggression.

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.

Universalism is the view that human rights belong to all people regardless of culture, religion, or nationality, because they rest on moral principles that hold everywhere. It treats a core set of rights as valid across all societies, not just where local tradition happens to support them.