Globalisation: the process of acceleration and intensification

of exchanges of goods, services, labour and capital which

promote global interdependence. It has been facilitated by
rapid changes in communication and technology.

Global Governance: Institutions, rules and legal

arrangements that seek to facilitate cooperation and manage
relations between states eg. UN, ICC, WTO, IMF.
Multilateralism: a system of coordinating relations between
three or more states, usually in pursuit of common objectives.
Nation: a group of people who share common cultural
characteristics such as language, religion and historical identity
but who do not have recognised sovereignty.
Non-Government organisation (NGOs): specialised
organisations and agencies formed by individuals across the
globe who are committed to promoting a range of economic,
social, religious and environmental issues. They are usually free
of government influence.
Non-state actors: are groups who are not states, or under
the control of states, yet are able to exercise an influence in the
global political arena. These include a range of NGOs, terrorist
organisations, institutions of global governance and
transnational corporations.

Power: The ability of one global actor to influence the actions

of other global actors. Power can be exercised in a range of
shapes and forms.

Public Opinion: The view or views of the majority of the

population of a particular state. Such views may not necessarily
coincide with the view of the governing body of a state. Public
opinion is something that states often need to take into account
as they manage their relations with other states.
Security: traditionally refers to a states capacity to protect its
borders from intruders and outside interference, most
commonly through the use of military power. However the
impact of globalisation has caused many states to also feel the
need to protect their economic and environmental security.
Sovereignty: A legitimate or widely recognised capacity to
exercise effective control of a territory within recognised
borders. It is the primary organising principle of global politics
which provides states with the authority to represent their
territory within the international community.
State: possesses a permanent population which is not
necessarily culturally homogenous, a clearly defined territory, a
functioning government and economy as well as recognised
sovereignty.
Transnational Corporation: A company whose operations
and investments extend beyond the boundaries of the state in
which it is registered.