Diplomacy & Politics Glossary
Every term you need — from Model UN procedure to international law, economics, and political theory. Clear definitions, real examples, and cross-linked concepts.
2302 terms across 11 categories
Showing 27 terms matching your filters
B
2 termsBalance of Threat Theory
An IR theory suggesting states form alliances based on perceived threats rather than mere power balances.
Bureaucratic Politics Model
A theory explaining foreign policy decisions as outcomes of bargaining among government agencies with competing interests.
C
4 termsConstructivist Security Dilemma
A concept in constructivist theory where states' perceptions and identities shape security dilemmas, emphasizing that insecurity arises from social interactions rather than material factors alone.
Counterplan Permutation
An argument that tests whether the affirmative counterplan and the negative plan can coexist, challenging the counterplan’s legitimacy.
Critical Geopolitics
An approach analyzing how geographical assumptions and representations shape political power and international relations.
Cultural Dimensions Theory
A framework for understanding how values in different cultures influence behavior, communication, and interaction.
D
1 termF
7 termsFace Negotiation Theory
A theory explaining how cultural differences influence communication styles and conflict management based on the concept of 'face' or self-image.
Feminist Intersectionality
A framework recognizing how overlapping social identities such as race, gender, and class contribute to unique experiences of oppression and privilege.
Fiat
A theoretical assumption allowing debaters to propose and evaluate policies as if they were implemented, regardless of practical constraints.
Fiat Debate
A type of debate that assumes the affirmative plan will be implemented for the sake of argument, allowing discussion of its merits and disadvantages without proving political feasibility.
Fiat Power
The assumed authority to implement a plan or policy for the sake of argument without concern for political feasibility.
Fiat Power Debate
The concept that debaters assume the proposed policy can be implemented without obstacles for the sake of argument.
Framework Debate
A discussion about the rules and standards that should guide the evaluation of arguments in a debate round.
G
1 termI
1 termK
1 termM
1 termP
3 termsPermutation Theory
A theory argument that tests whether the affirmative and counterplan can coexist without contradiction.
Postcolonial Theory
An intellectual framework analyzing the cultural legacy and power dynamics resulting from colonialism.
Procedural Argument
An argument that challenges the legitimacy of an opponent’s argument or action based on debate rules and norms.
S
1 termT
4 termsTheory Argument
A theory argument challenges the rules or procedures of a debate round to gain a strategic advantage.
Theory Debate
A debate focused on procedural arguments about rules, fairness, or judge standards rather than substantive issues.
Theory Shell
A structured argument that outlines a procedural or theoretical claim with standards and voting issues.
Theory Violation
An action or argument that breaks accepted rules or norms of debate theory, often leading to a theory argument.