Question 1

The conduct of war is decisively influenced by culture.

Accepted Answer

Culture plays a significant role in shaping a society's views on warfare, including attitudes towards violence, tactics, and military strategy. Different cultures may have varying beliefs about the necessity of war, the appropriate methods of fighting, and the treatment of prisoners, all of which can impact the conduct of warfare. For example, some cultures place a strong emphasis on honor and glory in warfare, while others prioritize avoiding casualties or minimizing collateral damage. These cultural values can affect decision-making at every level, from individual soldiers to national leaders, and can influence the outcomes of conflicts.

Question 2

A nation state is:&#10;A) Exactly the same as a city-state&#10;B) Historically a weak force&#10;C) A cultural and political entity&#10;D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

A nation state is a political entity that is defined by a common culture, language, and history. It is the combination of a nation, which is a group of people who share these characteristics, and a state, which is a political organization with defined borders and authority within those borders. A nation state is not the same as a city-state, which is a small, independent entity that is centered around a single city. Additionally, nation states have historically been strong forces, as they are able to mobilize resources and people to achieve their goals.

Question 3

Political scientists do not employ anthropological methods to advance arguments on the causes and conduct of war.

Accepted Answer

While political scientists primarily use quantitative methods to study war, some political scientists do use anthropological methods to study the cultural and social factors that contribute to war. However, it is not a common approach in the field.

Question 4

Where does Victor Davis Hanson's Western way of war originate?&#10;A) Mesopotamia&#10;B) Greece&#10;C) Rome&#10;D) France

Accepted Answer

Victor Davis Hanson's Western way of war originates from ancient Greece, specifically from the city-state of Sparta and their use of disciplined infantry tactics. He argues that Western military successes are due to principles such as individual courage, decisive battles, and the use of technology and innovation.

Question 5

The American way of war is an outgrowth of:&#10;A) The Native American way of war&#10;B) The Eastern way of war&#10;C) The Western way of war&#10;D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The American way of war is an outgrowth of the Western way of war, which emphasizes firepower, technological superiority, and overwhelming force. This approach has been shaped by the experiences of the United States in conflicts such as the Civil War, World War I and II, and the Gulf Wars. It is characterized by a reliance on advanced technology, such as precision-guided munitions, and an emphasis on swift and decisive action to achieve victory.

Question 6

The inability of Arab nations to fight conventional wars against Western nations has led them to search for new military and political doctrine and strategies.

Accepted Answer

Arab nations have struggled in conventional warfare against Western nations and have therefore focused on developing new military and political strategies.

Question 7

War is:&#10;A) Primal, a function of human nature and the human condition&#10;B) A social force&#10;C) A historical force&#10;D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

War can be seen as primal as it involves the use of violence and conflict, which are basic human instincts. It is also a social force as it involves group dynamics, power struggles, and conflicts between different societies. Furthermore, war has played a significant role throughout history, shaping the course of nations and civilizations, making it a historical force as well. Therefore, all of the options are correct, making choice D the best.

Question 8

What is the most dominant weapon ever created?&#10;A) The gun&#10;B) Mankind&#10;C) Nuclear weapons&#10;D) The airplane

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the most dominant weapon ever...

Question 9

Nations and states rise and fall through war.

Accepted Answer

Throughout history, nations and states have risen and fallen due to conflicts and wars. Wars have played a significant role in shaping the borders, political systems, economic structures, and cultural identities of many countries.

Question 10

To maximize a nation's combat power, the nation:&#10;A) Does not need to be culturally cohesive&#10;B) Does not need public support&#10;C) Must allow the military to have complete control over the decision making process&#10;D) Must understand the culture of the enemy

Accepted Answer

Understanding the culture of the enemy is essential in developing effective strategies, tactics, and operations. It allows for better communication with local populations, reduces the likelihood of cultural misunderstandings, and provides insight into the motivations and behaviors of the enemy. While cultural cohesion and public support are important factors in building and maintaining combat power, they are not as critical as understanding the enemy's culture. Allowing the military to have complete control over decision-making can lead to abuses of power and a lack of accountability, which can ultimately weaken combat power in the long term.

Deck 1: Introduction