Arab League The ____ League or League of Arab States (Arabic: جامعة الدول العربية) is an organization of predominantly Arab states – founded in 1945 to promote Arab unity in times of crisis.

Asian Tigers Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea. These nations have experienced rapid economic growth and prosperity due to industrialization, and were aligned both politically, and economically with the West throughout the Cold War. They are called the “Asian ________”.

vassal A person owing service to a feudal lord.

vernacular Language of the people in a country; language used by Renaissance writers to replace Latin which was the language of the church or scholars.

war crimes Atrocities committed by the military or government against the civilian population during armed conflicts.

welfare state System under which the government assumes responsibility for the people’s social and economic well-being.

Westernization To adopt western ideas and culture.

zero population growth Situation in a country where the birth rate equals the death rate.

Jewish nationalist movement to establish a homeland in Palestine Jewish nationalist movement to establish a homeland in Palestine. This movement began in the late 1800s, as anti-Semitic feelings intensified in Europe. The main leader of this movement was a journalist by the name of Theodor Herzl. Herzl's dream of a homeland for Jewish peoples was realized in 1948 with the creation of Israel. Zion = Roman term for Judea. Zionism

tyrant Ruthless and unfair ruler in ancient Greece who gained power by force and established a one-man rule.

Untouchables – (harijan) Idea that others would be made dirty & impure from touching them; social group of the lowest caste in Hinduism who do all the undesirable work; outlawed by India but still exists in some communities.

urbanization The movement of people to urban (city) areas in search of work.

utopian A person who believes in an ideal (perfect) society where everyone shares and works for the common good. This was a popular idea in the 1800’s.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Multinational organization that cooperates economically by lowering trade barriers, such as, tariffs, to encourage commerce between member nations. ASEAN

Camp David Accords Basis of the peace treaty (1979) calling for the recognition of Israel by Egypt; negotiated by U.S. President Carter, Anwar Sadat of Egypt, and Menachim Begin of Israel.

Commonwealth of Independent States Nation created after the breakup of the Soviet Union. It includes Russia and several smaller former Soviet republics.

British Commonwealth of Nations 1931 – voluntary association linking Great Britain and its former colonies on an equal basis.