Comparing political actors
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Flip to reveal answersWhat is the single most important comparison between actors?
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All 11 Flashcards — Comparing political actors
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Question
What is the single most important comparison between actors?
Answer
State vs non-state — only states have sovereignty and can make binding law.
Question
What is the difference between power and authority?
Answer
Non-state actors can have huge power (money, numbers, attention), but only states have authority — the right to make law.
Question
What is sovereignty, and who has it?
Answer
The supreme right to govern and make binding law — only states hold it.
Question
What three things make actors differ?
Answer
Sovereignty (only states), the type of power they bring, and whether they aim to hold or only shape power.
Question
How do many actors act on climate change?
Answer
States negotiate and sign, IGOs host, NGOs campaign, companies lobby, movements protest, scientists advise, media reports, foundations fund.
Question
On a shared issue, who influences and who decides?
Answer
Non-state actors set the agenda and pressure; states hold the pen — only they sign the binding deal.
Question
Do non-state actors have authority?
Answer
No — they have power to influence, but only states have the authority to make binding law.
Question
Argument that states still come first?
Answer
Only they hold sovereignty, make law, sign treaties and hold UN seats; other actors still need states to act.
Question
Argument that power is now shared?
Answer
Companies rival states economically, NGOs and movements set the agenda, and cross-border problems escape single states.
Question
Why does it 'depend on the issue'?
Answer
On war and law states dominate; on climate and technology non-state actors loom large.
Question
What is the overall verdict?
Answer
States are still the most important actor because of sovereignty, but their power is shared and challenged.
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Topic 1.1 hub
Framing global politics
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Global Politics exam skills
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