IB Global Politics Theoretical Perspectives Key Definitions

A critical theory that challenges realism and liberalism. Argues that global politics is socially constructed through norms, beliefs, identities, and discourse. Rejects the idea of a single objective reality, what matters is how we interpret and give meaning to things.

Critiques liberalism and realism for ignoring the experiences of women in global politics. Emphasizes patriarchy, the idea that systems are structured to benefit men and exclude women from power.

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

Liberalism is a major theory of global politics, seen as a response to realism. It emphasizes cooperation, interdependence, and the role of non-state actors. Unlike realism, it sees the international system as capable of change and progress.

Marxism is a critical theory of international relations that locates the root causes of political outcomes in economic structures, arguing that capitalist class interests drive the behaviour of states, institutions, and corporations.

Applied globally, it underpins dependency theory and world-systems theory, which map how wealthy core states extract value from poorer peripheral states.

Based on Karl Marx's theory, but applied to global systems. Focuses on class conflict, not just within states but between wealthy and poor countries. Emphasizes how capitalism and global economic structures create inequality and dependency.

Focuses on the lasting impact of colonialism and imperialism on global politics. Argues that Western forms of knowledge and power continue to marginalize non-Western societies. Sees global politics as shaped by race, culture, and discourse, not just economics or state power.

A major theory in global politics focused on power and the idea that international relations are shaped by conflict and self-interest.

The security dilemma describes the situation in which one state's actions to increase its own security, such as building up its military, are interpreted by other states as threatening, leading them to respond in kind.

The result is a spiral of mutual insecurity, even when no state originally intended to threaten another.

Soft power is the ability to shape the preferences of others through attraction and persuasion, rather than coercion.

Theoretical pluralism is the practice of drawing on multiple theoretical frameworks simultaneously when analysing a political issue, rather than applying a single theory exclusively.

It recognises that each theory illuminates certain dimensions of an issue while leaving others in shadow, so combining perspectives produces a fuller account.