BCS Written International Affairs key terms

The condition in international politics where no authority sits above states, so each must rely on its own power and arrangements for security. It describes the absence of central government, not the presence of chaos.

The logic under which states, lacking a higher authority, must secure their own survival through internal effort or alliances rather than appealing to a central enforcer.

A situation where steps one state takes to increase its safety, such as armament or alliances, appear threatening to others, prompting countermeasures that leave everyone less secure than before.

A pattern in which states check a rising or dominant power by building countervailing strength, often through alliances, so that no single actor can dictate outcomes to the rest.

The predominance of one state over others in a system, resting on superior material capability plus accepted leadership in rules, institutions and ideas rather than coercion alone.

An approach holding that state interests and identities are shaped by social interaction, norms and shared beliefs, so international reality is made through practice rather than fixed by material structure alone.

A theory arguing that international institutions reduce uncertainty and transaction costs, enable cooperation and lengthen the shadow of the future, even among self-interested states in an anarchic system.

A set of explicit or implicit principles, norms, rules and decision-making procedures around which actors' expectations converge in a given issue area, such as trade, oceans or non-proliferation.

Shared standards of appropriate behaviour that guide and constrain state action, often informal, and which gain force through social approval, shaming and repeated practice.

The legal and political claim that a state holds supreme authority within its territory and independence from external control, forming the foundational rule of the modern states system.

The principle, derived from sovereignty, that states should refrain from coercive interference in the domestic affairs of other states, subject to exceptions recognised in international law.

Peremptory norms of international law from which no derogation is permitted, such as prohibitions on genocide, slavery and aggression; conflicting treaties are void to that extent.

Rules arising from consistent and general state practice accepted as legally binding, which bind states even without a written treaty and may crystallise into codified instruments.

The 1969 treaty codifying rules on making, interpreting, amending, invalidating and terminating treaties, widely treated as reflecting customary law on those matters.

The maxim that agreements are binding on the parties and must be performed in good faith, a cornerstone principle of treaty law reflected in the Vienna Convention.

A unilateral statement made by a state when consenting to a treaty, excluding or modifying the legal effect of certain provisions as applied to that state, permitted unless the treaty forbids it.

Protection granted to diplomats from the host state's jurisdiction, including inviolability of person and premises, so they can perform functions without coercion or harassment.

A formal declaration by a receiving state that a foreign diplomat is unacceptable, typically requiring withdrawal of the individual, and used as a signal of serious displeasure.

The host state's formal authorisation allowing a foreign consul to exercise consular functions within its jurisdiction; refusal or withdrawal blocks the officer from acting.

A political commitment endorsed by states in 2005 that each state protects its population from atrocity crimes, with the wider international community ready to assist and, failing that, to act through the UN.

UN-authorised deployment of military and civilian personnel, with consent of the parties, to monitor ceasefires, protect civilians and support political processes in conflict-affected states.

Authority under the UN Charter allowing the Security Council to determine threats to peace and adopt binding measures, including sanctions and authorisation of force, to maintain or restore international peace.

An intergovernmental advisory body supporting countries emerging from conflict by marshalling resources and advising on integrated strategies for reconstruction, institution-building and reconciliation.

Coordination of policy among three or more states through agreed rules and institutions, as opposed to bilateral deals or unilateral action, and a core organising principle of the UN system.

A practice in many multilateral bodies, including several regional organisations, of adopting decisions without a formal vote when no member formally objects, often trading clarity for inclusiveness.

A trade principle requiring a member to extend to all trading partners any advantage it grants to one, thereby preventing discrimination among foreign suppliers and supporting non-discriminatory liberalisation.

The rule that imported goods, once past the border, receive treatment no less favourable than that given to like domestic goods, so internal taxes and regulations do not shield local producers.

Provisions in trade agreements granting developing members longer transition periods, technical assistance and lighter obligations, reflecting the view that equal rules can produce unequal burdens.

A UN classification based on low income, weak human assets and high economic vulnerability, carrying benefits such as preferential market access and concessional finance, reviewed periodically.

Government aid to developing countries and multilateral agencies that is concessional, with a grant element of at least 25 per cent, and is reported under agreed statistical rules.

The condition in which a country can meet its debt obligations without resorting to exceptional measures or sacrificing essential public spending, assessed through projections of debt ratios and growth.

The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, created in 1944, which provide balance-of-payments support and development finance and shape global macroeconomic and structural policy advice.

The process of returning Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar, requiring voluntary, safe and dignified conditions in the place of origin and a durable legal status for returnees.

The protection principle barring return of a person to a territory where they face persecution, torture or serious harm, a core obligation of refugee protection.

Movement of people driven from their homes by conflict, persecution, disaster or rights violations, crossing borders or remaining within their own country, and raising distinct legal and protection questions.

Funding channelled to developing countries for mitigation and adaptation, including pledges under multilateral climate agreements, where questions of adequacy, predictability and additionality remain contested.

The residual harm from climate impacts that cannot be avoided through mitigation or adaptation, addressed through a dedicated fund and debates over liability and compensation.

A climate principle recognising that all states share responsibility for the environment while their capacities and historical contributions differ, justifying differentiated obligations.

Use of ocean resources for growth, jobs and food while preserving ecosystem health, covering fisheries, shipping, tourism and emerging marine industries, and relevant to coastal states.

Unofficial dialogue among scholars, retired officials and civil society to explore solutions and build trust when formal channels are blocked, complementing but not replacing official negotiations.