Chapter 1 - Introduction to Global Studies by John McCormick

A political, economic and cultural concept associated with Europe and with communities that grew out of European settlement and invasion. Distinguished from Eastern ideas associated with Asia, notably China, Japan and India.

Literally the present or contemporary times, and a term most often used in connection with history, technology, social norms, culture, and the arts.

The modern state system that emerged out of the 1648 Peace of Westphalia, based on the sovereignty of states and political selfdetermination.

Efforts by the governments or citizens of one region to occupy and control foreign territories with a view to settlement, economic exploitation, or strategic advantage.

A policy – usually by a government or a state – to extend power and influence through diplomacy or military conquest.

Efforts by powerful actors to extend their influence by demanding changes or concessions from less powerful actors.

Military conflict involving many states in different parts of the world.

A state with a large military and continental or global interests.

A state with the capacity and willingness to be active globally, particularly in a military sense.

The war of words and ideas that took place between the late 1940s and the late 1980s involving the United States, the Soviet Union, and their respective allies or client states.

An informal grouping of developing Asian, African, Middle Eastern and Latin American states that were not immediately part of the US-led capitalist bloc or the Sovietled communist bloc.

The international economic system designed to encourage postwar peace and prosperity through free trade and exchange rate stability.

Short-hand terms for ‘advanced’ and ‘developing’ economies, most of which are found – respectively – in the northern and southern halves of the world. Often prefaced by the adjective global.

The idea that a political economic or social system will evolve to the point where it would reach its conclusive end-state.

A collective acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, and China, reflecting their newly influential global roles.