Project 8: Glossary

BANDWAGOING

It is when a weaker state aligns itself with a more powerful state—even a potential adversary—because it calculates that siding with that power is safer or more beneficial than opposing it.

Examples:

Cambodia aligning with China (2010s–present): Cambodia has increasingly supported China in ASEAN decisions, as China provides loans, investments, and political backing. Cambodia “hops on the bandwagon” to benefit economically and avoid conflict.

Italy joining China’s Belt and Road Initiative (2019): Italy hoped to gain economic benefits by aligning with China’s growing global influence.

G5

The group of five nations who seek to promote dialogue and understanding between developing and developed countries. The G5 consists of the emerging economies of China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa.

Example: During the 2008 global financial crisis, G5 nations pushed for fairer voting rights at the IMF and more influence in global economic decisions.

HEGEMONY

Refers to a situation in international relations where one state (the hegemon) holds predominant power—economic, military, or political—over others and can therefore structure the international system in ways that reflect its interests.

Example: Pax Americana post–World War II): Following WWII, the U.S. emerged asglobal (post–World War II): After WWII, the U.S. was the dominant power. It played a central role in building international institutions (like the World Bank and NATO) and provided security and economic leadership, thereby stabilizing the global order.

Kyoto Protocol

An environmental agreement adopted in 1997 that committed transitional economies to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This treaty was a big step in formalizing international cooperation to curb climate change, though later agreements (like the Paris Agreement) would build on and replace aspects of it.

Realpolitik

It is a political philosophy or approach that bases decisions on practical, material factors (like power, national interest), rather than on ideology, moral principles, or ethical doctrines.

It implies a realistic, sometimes ruthless, assessment of what’s actually possible in global affairs.

Example: Modern Diplomacy: Sometimes states negotiate or form partnerships even with regimes they publicly criticize, simply because it's in their interest (economic, security, strategic), rather than because of shared values.

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