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Global Studies Glossary

25 essential terms — because precise language is the foundation of clear thinking in Global Studies.

Showing 25 of 25 terms

The emigration of highly skilled individuals from developing to developed countries, depleting the home country's human capital.

Related:migrationdiasporaGlobal South

The post-WWII international monetary framework establishing the IMF, World Bank, and fixed exchange rates pegged to the US dollar.

Related:IMFWorld Bankneoliberalism

A philosophical perspective that all human beings belong to a single moral community, advocating global citizenship and universal rights.

Related:human rightsglobal governancenationalism

The spread or imposition of a dominant culture's values and practices onto other societies through power asymmetries.

Related:soft powerpostcolonialismglocalization

A theory arguing that the wealth of the Global North is linked to the structural exploitation of the Global South.

Related:world-systems theorypostcolonialismGlobal South

A scattered population maintaining collective identity and cultural ties to a geographic homeland across generations.

Related:transnationalismmigrationremittances

A trading partnership seeking greater equity by offering better conditions and rights to marginalized producers in the Global South.

Related:sustainable developmentGlobal Southneoliberalism

The collective management of transnational issues through international organizations, treaties, and norms.

Related:United NationsWorld Trade Organizationsovereignty

The process of increasing worldwide interconnectedness through cross-border flows of goods, capital, people, and ideas.

Related:neoliberalismtransnationalismglocalization

The adaptation of global products and ideas to fit local cultures and contexts.

Related:globalizationcultural imperialismhybridization

A security paradigm focusing on protecting individuals from threats such as poverty, disease, and environmental degradation.

Related:sustainable developmenthumanitarian interventionResponsibility to Protect

The use of military force by external actors to prevent or stop large-scale human rights abuses within a sovereign state.

Related:Responsibility to Protectsovereigntyhuman security

A company operating in multiple countries, driving foreign direct investment and shaping global supply chains.

Related:globalizationforeign direct investmentneoliberalism

An ideology promoting free markets, deregulation, privatization, and reduced government intervention in the economy.

Related:structural adjustmentWashington Consensusglobalization

A nonprofit organization operating independently of government to address social, political, or environmental issues.

Related:civil societyhumanitarian aidglobal governance

A critical framework examining the lasting cultural, political, and economic impacts of colonialism on formerly colonized societies.

Related:cultural imperialismdependency theoryGlobal South

Money sent by migrant workers to family members or communities in their home country, often constituting a significant share of developing nations' GDP.

Related:transnationalismdiasporamigration

A global political commitment that sovereign states have a duty to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.

Related:humanitarian interventionsovereigntyUnited Nations

A country's ability to influence others through cultural attraction and values rather than military or economic coercion.

Related:hard powercultural imperialismdiplomacy

The supreme authority of a state within its territorial boundaries, free from external interference.

Related:Westphalian systemhumanitarian interventionglobal governance

IMF/World Bank lending conditions requiring austerity, privatization, and trade liberalization in developing nations.

Related:neoliberalismIMFGlobal South

Development meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

Related:SDGsclimate changeenvironmental justice

The maintenance of social, economic, and cultural ties across national borders by migrants and diaspora communities.

Related:diasporaremittancesmigration

The international order established by the Peace of Westphalia (1648), enshrining state sovereignty and non-interference as foundational principles.

Related:sovereigntynation-stateglobal governance

Wallerstein's framework dividing the global economy into core, semi-periphery, and periphery based on capitalist exploitation.

Related:dependency theoryGlobal NorthGlobal South
Global Studies Glossary - Key Terms & Definitions | PiqCue