The Power of States

Key Terms and a Historical PerspectiveThe Power of States1Unit Intro QuestionsWhat is the most powerful state/nation in the world today?What are the reasons why they are so powerful?Have they always been this powerful? List some powerful states/nations/empires of the past.Is it possible for a single nation to become too powerful? If so, what can be done to prevent it from getting too powerful?

2Key Terms:State: a collection of institutions which make up a countrySovereignty: the degree of power or authority a state possessesIsolationism: the policy of a nation to limit their relations with other nationsBilateral Relations: agreements and discussions that occur between two nationsMultilateral Relations: agreements and discussions that occur between more than two nations. International Organizations: an association of nations with specific aims and objectives. Ex: UN, OPEC, NATO3History of International OrganizationsWorld War One (1914-1918) was a large scale conflict between the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (GB, France, and Russia)After years of isolationist policies, the United States joined on the side of the Triple Entente in 1917. This marked a change in the tide of the war and the Triple Alliance was soon defeated.

4History of International OrganizationsThe world was effected by WWI in many ways:More than 9 million soldiers died (civilian losses unknown)~ 15 million woundedThree Empires crumble, 10 new European nations are created

5The World at War!!!

6History of International OrganizationsRegarding International Organizations and the Power of States, after WWI it is important to note the following:

The League of Nations is establishedThe United States emerges as the new political and economic power

7History of International OrganizationsUS President Woodrow Wilson was the main architect of the League of NationsHe was horrified by the slaughter that took place in a civilized societyHe desired to create an international body whose sole purpose was to maintain world peace and sort out international disputes when they occurred

8YOUR TASKSet up your own International Organization9