Global Governance Glossary

The absence of a central authority above sovereign states in the international system, which is the foundational condition that makes global governance necessary and challenging.

The post-World War II international monetary system established in 1944, which created the IMF and World Bank and pegged currencies to the US dollar convertible to gold.

A system in which states agree that an attack on one is an attack on all, committing to collective response against aggressors to deter conflict.

An international relations theory emphasizing that international norms, identities, and shared ideas shape state behavior and the evolution of global governance structures.

The gap between the decision-making authority of international institutions and the degree to which those affected can participate in or hold those institutions accountable.

A theory of international integration holding that cooperation in technical and economic areas gradually spills over into political integration, building governance institutions incrementally.

A multilateral agreement governing international trade from 1947 to 1994, which was succeeded by the World Trade Organization. GATT reduced tariffs through successive negotiating rounds.

Resource domains or areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the high seas, atmosphere, outer space, and Antarctica, requiring international cooperative governance.

The dominance of one state over others in the international system, often providing the stability and public goods that undergird global governance arrangements.

An approach to security that shifts the focus from state-centric military threats to the safety, well-being, and dignity of individuals, encompassing economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and political dimensions.

The body of rules and principles that govern relations between states and other international actors, derived from treaties, customary practice, and general principles of law.

An international organization of 190 member countries that promotes global monetary cooperation, financial stability, international trade, and sustainable economic growth.

A set of implicit or explicit principles, norms, rules, and decision-making procedures around which actors' expectations converge in a specific issue area of international relations.

The belief that an institution or authority has the right to govern, derived from procedural fairness, representation, effectiveness, and conformity with established norms.

An international relations theory arguing that international institutions facilitate cooperation by reducing transaction costs, providing information, and creating expectations of reciprocity.

The coordination of policies among three or more states through shared principles and institutions, as opposed to unilateral or bilateral approaches.

A non-profit, voluntary organization operating independently from governments that participates in advocacy, humanitarian aid, development, and governance processes at the international level.

An international treaty opened for signature in 1968 aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, promoting disarmament, and facilitating the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

A theory that views international politics as a struggle for power among self-interested states in an anarchic system, where national security and survival are paramount.

A global political commitment (2005) that sovereignty entails a duty to protect populations from mass atrocity crimes, with international community intervention as a last resort.

The ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion via culture, political values, and foreign policies rather than coercion or payment.

The supreme authority of a state within its territory and its independence from external interference, the foundational principle of the Westphalian international order.

A system of governance in which decision-making authority is transferred to institutions above the nation-state level, whose decisions can be binding on member states.

A formal, legally binding agreement between sovereign states or international organizations governed by international law, serving as a primary instrument of global governance.

An intergovernmental organization founded in 1945 to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote social progress and human rights.