Political Theories

Neutral summaries with multiple lenses.

Liberalism

A family of ideas emphasizing individual rights, consent of the governed, and the rule of law, with debate over how active government should be in promoting equality and opportunity.

Conservatism

A broad orientation that values continuity, tradition, and skepticism toward rapid change, emphasizing order and responsibility.

Realism (IR)

In international relations, realism views the world as an arena of states pursuing security and power under anarchy (no world government).

Performativity

The idea that language and social practices can produce or reinforce realities (identities, norms, markets) rather than merely describe them.

Globalization

Growing cross-border flows of goods, capital, people, and ideas, changing economies, politics, and cultures.

Marxism

A framework analyzing history and politics through class relations and modes of production, often critical of capitalism.

Socialism

Broad ideas favoring social or public direction of key resources to promote equality and shared prosperity.

Legitimacy

The right to rule accepted by the governed; can derive from legal procedures, performance, traditions, or shared values.

Unilateralism

A state acting on its own without coordinating with others.

Multilateralism

Cooperation among multiple states through institutions or agreements.

United Nations

An intergovernmental organization for peace, security, and cooperation founded after WWII.

Nations & Nation-States

A nation is a cultural/identity community; a nation-state is a political entity claiming sovereignty for (mostly) one nation.

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)

Independent non-state groups that provide services, advocate policies, or monitor governments and firms.