BCS Written International Affairs flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Anarchy

In international relations, the absence of a central world government above states; it does not mean chaos but implies self-help and the need for states to ensure their own survival.

Balance of power

A realist mechanism where states form alliances or build capabilities to prevent any single state from dominating the international system, thereby preserving stability and independence.

Security dilemma

A situation where a state's efforts to increase its security (e.g., arms buildup) are perceived as threatening by others, prompting countermeasures and an unintended spiral of tension.

Constructivism

An IR theory holding that state interests and identities are socially constructed through norms, ideas, and interactions, rather than fixed by material power alone.

Deterrence

The use of threats to prevent an adversary from taking an action, requiring credible military capability, clear communication, and demonstrated resolve to be effective.

Bangladesh foreign policy principle

Article 25 of the Bangladesh Constitution states the principle of 'friendship to all, malice towards none,' guiding the country's non-aligned and peaceful foreign policy.

Teesta water dispute

A long-standing bilateral issue between Bangladesh and India over sharing the waters of the Teesta River; an interim agreement has been delayed, affecting agriculture in Bangladesh's north.

Rohingya crisis

The mass displacement of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar's Rakhine State to Bangladesh since 2017; Bangladesh seeks safe repatriation and international accountability for alleged atrocities.

BIMSTEC

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, comprising seven South and Southeast Asian states, promotes regional connectivity, trade, and security cooperation.

SAARC

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, with eight member states; its charter prohibits discussion of bilateral disputes, and decisions are made by consensus.

UN Security Council veto

The power of the five permanent members (China, France, Russia, UK, US) to block any substantive resolution in the UN Security Council, a key feature of postwar multilateralism.

OIC

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, with 57 member states, aims to safeguard Islamic interests, promote solidarity, and address conflicts and human rights issues affecting Muslim communities.

Vienna Convention Diplomatic Relations

The 1961 treaty codifying diplomatic immunity, inviolability of missions, and the rights and duties of diplomatic agents, forming the bedrock of modern diplomatic practice.

Pacta sunt servanda

A foundational principle of international law, codified in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, meaning treaties are binding on parties and must be performed in good faith.

UNCLOS

The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea defines maritime zones: territorial sea (12 nm), contiguous zone (24 nm), exclusive economic zone (200 nm), and continental shelf rules.

Persona non grata

A diplomatic term for a foreign official unacceptable to the host state; under the Vienna Convention, the receiving state may declare any diplomat persona non grata without explanation.

Responsibility to Protect

A norm endorsed by the UN in 2005 that states have a responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity; the international community may assist or intervene.

Peacekeeping principles

UN peacekeeping operates on consent of the parties, impartiality, and non-use of force except in self-defense and defense of the mandate, guiding missions' legitimacy and effectiveness.

Chapter VII UN Charter

The chapter empowering the Security Council to take enforcement action, including sanctions and military measures, to maintain or restore international peace and security.

Human security

An approach focusing on the security of individuals rather than states, encompassing economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and political dimensions.

Most-favored-nation principle

A WTO principle requiring members to grant trade advantages given to one country to all other members, ensuring non-discrimination among trading partners.

LDC graduation

The process by which a least developed country meets UN criteria for development and loses LDC status; Bangladesh is scheduled to graduate in 2026, with trade preference implications.

Comparative advantage

The economic principle that countries gain from trade by specializing in goods they produce at lower opportunity cost, even if they are less efficient in absolute terms.

Balance of payments

A statistical record of a country's transactions with the rest of the world, comprising the current account, capital and financial accounts, and errors and omissions.

ASEAN centrality

The principle that ASEAN should be the primary driving force in regional architecture, including forums like the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum.

Quad

A strategic dialogue among the United States, Japan, India, and Australia focusing on a free and open Indo-Pacific, maritime security, and infrastructure, without a formal military alliance.

JCPOA

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (2015) is the Iran nuclear deal limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief; its status has been contested since the US withdrawal in 2018.

African Union Agenda 2063

The African Union's strategic framework for inclusive and sustainable development, aiming for a prosperous, integrated Africa over fifty years, with ten-year implementation plans.

Paris Agreement

The 2015 global climate treaty under the UNFCCC, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue 1.5°C, with nationally determined contributions from all parties.

Non-refoulement

A customary international law principle prohibiting the return of refugees to territories where they face persecution or serious harm, central to the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Universal Periodic Review

A UN Human Rights Council mechanism reviewing the human rights records of all UN member states every four to five years, based on peer review and stakeholder reports.

FATF

The Financial Action Task Force sets global standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing; non-compliance can lead to placement on a grey or black list with economic consequences.