Download Global Relations Unit III Glossary

Global Relations Unit III Glossary
U.S. Role in the World
American Exceptionalism. The belief that
America is unique, special, and different
from other nations because of its civil and
religious liberty and its democratic form of
government and that America’s values
should serve as an example for the rest of
the world to follow.
American Empire. In the 21st century the
international role of the United States has
increasingly been described in terms of
empire. Empire is a metaphor for America’s
worldwide military domination and its
global political, economic, and cultural
influence in the world today.
Hegemony. The influence or domination of
a major country over smaller, weaker states
within its sphere of influence. The term is
often used today to describe the dominant
role that the U.S. plays in the world today.
Hegemon. A dominant country that exerts
influence or control over smaller or weaker
countries. The U.S. is sometimes described
as a “global hegemon” today.
Idealism. An approach to international
relations based on the belief that a state’s
foreign policy should be based on moral
values and legal principles.
Imperialism. A policy of extending a
country’s power through the acquisition of
additional territory or through direct control
over other countries. Critics of American
foreign policy who believe the U.S. wants to
dominate the world have often described
U.S. actions as being “imperialistic.”
Isolationists. Those on the far right of the
political spectrum who want the U.S. to
withdraw from involvement overseas.
Liberal Internationalists: Describes those
to the left of center on the political
spectrum. They are idealists who believe
that U.S. foreign policy should emphasize
the protection of human rights and they are
multilateralists who stress the importance of
working with other nations who share our
ideals.
Messianic. “Marked by idealism and an
aggressive crusading spirit, a sense of
historic mission.” The term is often used
today to express the idea that America’s
mission is to “save the world” by spreading
its values and ideals.
Neoconservatives. Describes the
conservative idealists found to the right of
center on the political spectrum who believe
the spread of democracy is the most
important U.S. foreign policy goal.
Pax Americana. Latin meaning “peace
imposed by America.” Compares America’s
power today with the power exercised by
Rome at the height of the Roman Empire.
Supporters of Pax Americana argue that the
U.S. should use its power to impose peace,
order, and stability on the rest of the world.
Radicals. Describes those on the far left of
the political spectrum who accuse the U.S.
of seeking global dominance.
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Realism (Realpolitik). An approach to
foreign policy based on hard, pragmatic
(practical) considerations rather than on
moral or idealistic concerns. Realpolitik is
German for “the politics of reality” and is
often applied to the policies of nations that
consider only their own interests in dealing
with other countries.
Realists. Describes the conservative
internationalists to the right of center on
the political spectrum. They believe the
promotion of U.S. interests should
determine American foreign policy and that
order and stability is more important than
either the promotion of democracy or the
protection of human rights.
Soft power. The ability to obtain desired
outcomes through the power of attraction
rather than coercion. The term is used in
contrast to economic or military power,
which are both sometimes referred to as
“hard power”. A country’s soft power
causes others to follow it and to emulate it
out of admiration and respect. Soft power is
derived from a country’s culture, values,
political ideals, and the policies that it
follows. Soft power may also refer to a
country’s use of diplomacy or humanitarian
gestures such as foreign aid or disaster
relief.
Superpower. A great power with global
influence because of its military and/or its
economic power. A superpower is so
powerful in relation to other countries that
it’s in a class by itself. Since the end of the
Cold War, the United States has been the
world’s only superpower.
Unilateralism. A policy of acting alone in
the conduct of foreign affairs, characterized
by minimal consultation and involvement
with other nations, even allies. During the
first term of the Bush administration there
was a perceived shift towards a more
unilateral approach to U.S. foreign policy.
Unipolar system. An international system
dominated by one powerful state. The world
today is often described as being unipolar
because of the dominant position of the
United States.