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Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism is a political system characterized by the consolidation of power in a single leader or small group, limited political pluralism, repression of dissent, and little to no accountability to the public.
Civil society
Organizations and groups outside government that work to represent citizens’ interests (e.g., unions, churches, NGOs).
Civilian control
When elected leaders, not the military, oversee the country’s defense and security institutions.
Cold War
Political rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union after WWII
Containment
The strategy of stopping communist expansion through alliances, aid, and limited military action.
Counter-terrorism
actions taken by governments to prevent or respond to terrorist attacks.
Death Squads
Armed groups, often linked to governments, that carried out extrajudicial killings to suppress opposition.
Deficit
The amount by which government spending exceeds its income in a given year.
Democratization
The process of moving from an authoritarian regime to a democratic political system.
Federalism
A system that divides power between national and state governments.
Free Trade
Trade between countries without tariffs or restrictions, intended to increase economic growth.
Glasnost
Policy of openness that encouraged free discussion and criticism of government actions.
Guantánamo Bay
A U.S. military prison in Cuba used to detain suspected terrorists without trial.
Guerrilla Warfare
Irregular fighting by small, mobile groups using surprise tactics against larger traditional forces.
Humanitarian Intervention
The use of military or diplomatic action to prevent or stop human rights abuses in another country.
Liberation Theology
A Catholic movement emphasizing social justice and the defense of the poor, blending religion and activism.
Maquiladoras
Factories in Mexico, often near the U.S. border, that assemble imported materials for export.
Monroe Doctrine
A U.S. policy (1823) declaring the Western Hemisphere off-limits to further European colonization or interference.
Multiculturalism
A policy encouraging respect and inclusion of diverse cultural backgrounds within a single nation.
Multilateralism
A policy of working together among multiple countries to solve international problems collectively.
Neoliberalism
An economic philosophy favoring free markets, privatization, and minimal government intervention in the economy.
Perestroika
Economic reform policy designed to restructure the Soviet economy by introducing market-like changes.
Plebiscite
A direct vote by citizens on an important public issue, such as leadership or constitutional change.
Referendum
A public vote on a specific political question, such as independence or policy change.