Question 1

Rational choice theories of politics &#8230;&#10;A) assume that individuals are naturally irrational and so should not be given a choice in important political decisions.&#10;B) state that only humans are rational and therefore non-humans are not appropriate subjects of politics.&#10;C) assume that political parties and voters have the utility-maximizing characteristics of actors in the economic sphere.&#10;D) assume that voters tend to vote for parties based on the charisma of the party leader.

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theories in politics posit that individuals, including political parties and voters, make decisions that maximize their utility, similar to economic actors. This approach models political behavior on the assumption of rationality, where choices are made based on preferences and the pursuit of self-interest.

Question 2

An example of a concept that is unique to politics would be &#8230;&#10;A) political obligation.&#10;B) political behaviour.&#10;C) political ideologies.&#10;D) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

All of the choices listed are concepts unique to the field of politics. Political obligation refers to the moral or legal duty to obey the government. Political behaviour encompasses the actions of citizens and politicians within the political system. Political ideologies are comprehensive sets of beliefs about the political system and the policies that government should pursue.

Question 3

Consequences of globalization are that &#8230;&#10;A) Economic crises in individual states are more difficult to prevent from spreading to others.&#10;B) Human rights violations are now impossible thanks to global organizations such as Amnesty International.&#10;C) There have been increasing flows of people across national borders in search of work or refuge.&#10;D) The US has now spread its culture and ideology around the world.

Accepted Answer

A) Economic crises in individual states are more difficult to prevent from spreading to others.C) There have been increasing flows of people across national borders in search of work or refuge.

Question 4

'Ideas for the reform of policies in specific areas spread through international _________ communities'.

Accepted Answer

The answer of 'Ideas for the reform of policies in...

Question 5

According to the economist Rodrik (2011), states must simultaneously pursue the three goals of democracy, national self-determination, and economic globalization if they are to remain legitimate in a globalized world.

Accepted Answer

Rodrik argues that democracy, national sovereignty, and global economic integration are mutually incompatible, and it's not possible to achieve all three simultaneously. This is known as the "trilemma of the world economy."

Question 6

'Methodological nationalism' takes culture as the 'natural' unit of analysis.

Accepted Answer

Methodological nationalism takes the nation-state, not culture, as the 'natural' unit of analysis for social sciences.

Question 7

What factors are likely to contribute to a shift in global power?&#10;A) The resurgence of Russia.&#10;B) The rise of powerful states in Asia, particularly China.&#10;C) The increasing self-confidence of the Islamic world.&#10;D) Increasing prominence of the BRICS states.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What factors are likely to contribute to...

Question 8

Postmodernism can be characterized by &#8230;&#10;A) An almost luddite disdain for new technologies.&#10;B) A preference for pluralism.&#10;C) The rejection of deference to 'god-like' scientific authorities.&#10;D) A preference towards anarchism.

Accepted Answer

Postmodernism is characterized by a preference for pluralism, reflecting its openness to multiple interpretations and perspectives. It also often involves a rejection of the absolute authority of science, instead viewing knowledge as constructed and relative, rather than handed down by infallible 'god-like' authorities. It does not inherently disdain new technologies nor does it have a preference towards anarchism as a political system.

Question 9

The current trend towards decentring the West is associated with the English School of political analysis.

Accepted Answer

The current trend towards decentring the West is more closely associated with postcolonial and decolonial theories, which critique Western dominance in global affairs, rather than the English School, which focuses on international society and its norms.

Question 10

What is meant by the 'golden straitjacket'?&#10;A) That European states are now restricted in their capacity to create new national laws by the European Union.&#10;B) The lack of funding in the UK for mental health care.&#10;C) The need for governments to appeal to international markets and investors.&#10;D) The water conflict surrounding the Persian Gulf.

Accepted Answer

The 'golden straitjacket' refers to the idea that countries must adopt certain economic policies and practices, such as reducing tariffs and embracing free trade, to attract foreign investment and participate successfully in the global market. This concept suggests that while these policies can lead to economic growth, they also limit the policy choices available to governments, effectively 'constraining' them in a 'straitjacket' of economic imperatives.

Question 11

One consequence of governments adopting a 'golden straitjacket' is that the economy shrinks, but politics grows.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One consequence of governments adopting a 'golden...

Question 12

An example of the trend whereby citizens' preferences are subordinated to financial markets is _______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of An example of the trend whereby citizens'...

Question 13

One important theme in IR is the growing importance of the sovereign state.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One important theme in IR is the...

Question 14

There is an increasing trend away from the state being the central object of concern for students of politics.

Accepted Answer

The answer of There is an increasing trend away from...

Question 15

What is ethnocentrism?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is ethnocentrism?...

Deck 19: Conclusion