Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

A concept developed by Michel Foucault describing the governance of populations through the regulation of life processes and bodies.

Mechanisms that ensure government officials and agencies are responsible for their actions and decisions.

A condition where government agencies operate with limited external oversight, allowing policy decisions to be made internally without political interference.

Efforts to enhance the skills, resources, and institutions of states or organizations to improve governance or development.

A process in international organizations where decisions require general agreement rather than majority voting to ensure collective support.

Agreed standards and rules that govern state behavior in cyberspace to promote stability and prevent conflict.

Frameworks and policies designed to protect information systems and networks from cyber threats at national or international levels.

The transfer of political power from a central government to regional or local governments within a state.

A dual mandate occurs when an elected official holds two political offices simultaneously, potentially creating conflicts of interest.

A situation where a state's control over its territory or population is divided among multiple authorities, often leading to weakened governance and challenges in international relations.

Mechanisms by which state institutions hold each other accountable to prevent abuse of power within the government.

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

The development and application of shared principles, norms, rules, and decision-making procedures for the internet.

Harold Lasswell described power elites as small groups controlling major decisions in society, shaping political and economic outcomes.

A situation where political parties or branches of government cannot agree, preventing lawmaking or policy implementation.

A situation where an international institution or state loses credibility and support, undermining its authority.

A letter from a government leader outlining priorities and expectations for ministers or officials.

The idea that elected officials have an obligation to carry out the policies promised during their campaign.

A political system where multiple parties compete for power and often share governance responsibilities.

A management approach emphasizing serving citizens and democratic values over traditional bureaucratic efficiency.

A government-owned corporation or agency that undertakes commercial activities on behalf of the state.

The process by which policy ideas and programs spread from one government or jurisdiction to others.

Policy evaluation assesses the effectiveness and impact of public policies after implementation.

The influence that existing policies have on future political behavior and policymaking.

The practice of ensuring party members vote and act according to official party policies and decisions.

Qualified majority voting is a decision-making process requiring a specified threshold of weighted votes, often used in international organizations to adopt binding measures.

A set of partially overlapping and non-hierarchical international institutions governing a particular issue area.

Processes aimed at improving a state's security institutions to be effective, accountable, and aligned with democratic norms.

The networks, norms, and social trust that facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit within a society.

Policy approaches that nudge individuals toward beneficial choices while preserving freedom of choice, often used in democratic governance.

A principle in political theory that decisions should be made at the most local level possible, only involving higher authorities when necessary.

A system of governance where decision-makers are selected based on expertise in science, technology, or economics rather than political affiliation.

A centrist political ideology seeking to reconcile right-wing and left-wing policies by promoting a mix of market economy and social justice.

The ability of citizens and civil society to hold government officials accountable through elections and public participation.