Question 1

Which of the following is true of feminist theory?

Accepted Answer

While it is a common theme among feminist theorists to argue that women have been absent or marginalized in international politics, there is also a diversity of perspectives within feminist theory. Some feminist theorists argue that women have been key participants in international politics and have made significant contributions. Therefore, option C is the most accurate statement about feminist theory. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because feminist theory challenges the idea that women have been absent from international politics, rejects the notion of fixed human nature, and does not endorse classical realism as the best theory for explaining international relations.

Question 2

Which of the following is true about theorists' view of state interests?

Accepted Answer

Constructivists argue that state interests are not solely determined by material factors but are also shaped by social structures, identities, and norms. Unlike realists and liberals, who emphasize material factors like power and economic interests, constructivists focus on how these interests are socially constructed.

Question 3

A ________ would highlight the divergent identities of Russia and the West in explaining the 2014 Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Accepted Answer

A constructivist would focus on how the different identities and social norms of Russia and the West contributed to the conflict. They would argue that Russia's identity as a great power and its desire to maintain its sphere of influence clashed with the West's identity as a community of liberal democracies that support the right of self-determination for states. This clash of identities led to the conflict over Ukraine.

Question 4

Which of the following is consistent with theorists' view of sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

Constructivists argue that sovereignty is a social construct, meaning its meaning and implications can vary and be contested depending on social, political, and historical contexts. This view aligns with the idea that sovereignty is a contested concept, as constructivists emphasize the role of ideas, norms, and identities in international relations.

Question 5

Constructivists believe that state behavior is shaped by

Accepted Answer

Constructivists argue that state behavior is shaped by their identities rather than solely by the distribution of power or national self-interest. In other words, states do not just act to gain power or advance their material interests, but also act based on their beliefs and values about themselves and others. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Question 6

Marxist theory argues that

Accepted Answer

Marxist theory argues that the capitalist system is inherently exploitative and can only be supplanted by a worker's revolution that leads to the establishment of socialism. Marxism also contends that class struggle is the driving force behind historical change, and that the international system reflects the power dynamics of the various classes within and between states. Therefore, the hierarchical international system is not seen as a byproduct of the expansion of communism, but rather as a reflection of the inequalities and power imbalances inherent in the capitalist system.

Question 7

To explain the 2014 Russia-Ukraine conflict,a liberal would highlight

Accepted Answer

Liberals focus on internal factors such as domestic politics and economic interests to explain international relations. In the context of the 2014 Russia-Ukraine conflict, a liberal would likely highlight the role of Ukraine's domestic politics, including its internal divisions and political orientation, as a key factor.

Question 8

China's creation of Confucius Institutes throughout the world in order to teach others about Chinese culture and attract them to their ways of doing things is an example of an attempt to use

Accepted Answer

China's creation of Confucius Institutes is a classic example of the use of soft power. Soft power refers to a country's ability to attract and persuade others through cultural and ideological means, rather than military or economic coercion. By promoting Chinese culture and language, China is seeking to enhance its global image and generate goodwill towards its country, which is a key component of soft power.

Question 9

By saying that identities are socially constructed,constructivists mean that

Accepted Answer

Constructivists believe that identities are not inherent or objective facts, but rather are shaped by social interactions and discourses. This means that identities can change over time and are not fixed. Additionally, individuals and states can influence the creation and maintenance of identities through their actions and language.

Question 10

Dependency theorists argue that

Accepted Answer

Dependency theorists argue that the underdevelopment of states is largely due to the unequal positions of developed and developing countries, and this inequality is intensifying over time. They argue that developed countries exploit developing countries for their own economic gain, creating a cycle of dependency and underdevelopment. This theory rejects the idea that underdevelopment is solely the result of internal factors or a lack of economic interdependence.

Question 11

Which of the following is a core argument of dependency theory?

Accepted Answer

Dependency theory argues that developing countries are dependent on developed countries for resources and markets. Multinational corporations play a key role in maintaining this dependency by extracting resources and exploiting labor in developing countries, while shifting profits to developed countries.

Question 12

The fact that Russia's military actions in Ukraine in 2014 helped develop a reputation showing a willingness to engage in conflict would be highlighted by

Accepted Answer

An offensive realist would argue that Russia's actions in Ukraine demonstrated its willingness to use military force to pursue its interests and assert its power. This would be seen as an example of great power politics and a confirmation of the need for states to prioritize their own security and survival in the international system. Defensive realists, on the other hand, would argue that Russia's actions were driven by a perceived threat to its own security and stability, and that the best way to avoid conflict is through cooperation and diplomacy. Liberals would focus on the importance of respecting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict through international institutions and norms. Constructivists would emphasize the role of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping state behavior, and might argue that Russia's actions reflect a nationalist and revisionist worldview that seeks to challenge the existing order in Europe.

Question 13

A key reason why a constructivist would argue that Saudi Arabia and Iran support different sides in the Syrian conflict that began in 2011 is

Accepted Answer

Constructivists argue that states' behavior and interests are influenced by their identities, beliefs, and norms, rather than simply material factors. In the case of Saudi Arabia and Iran, their support for different sides in the Syrian conflict is shaped by their divergent identities as Sunni and Shia Muslim states, respectively. This sectarian divide has historical and ideological roots that inform their foreign policy decisions.

Question 14

The fact that,after being labeled as a member of the "axis of evil" by the U.S.President,Iran changed its policies from working with the United States post-September 11,2001 to working against it best exemplifies

Accepted Answer

The fact that Iran changed its policies after being labeled as a member of the "axis of evil" by the U.S. President exemplifies the constructivist argument that discourse can change state behavior. This illustrates how the language used by the U.S. President had a significant impact on Iran's policies and how it chose to interact with the United States. It demonstrates how the power of language and discourse can shape state behavior and reinforces the constructivist perspective on international relations.

Question 15

A realist explanation for the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2014 would highlight

Accepted Answer

A realist explanation would emphasize Russia's concern about security, particularly its perceived need to prevent the West from encroaching on its sphere of influence. This is reflected in Russia's annexation of Crimea and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. Trade concerns and identity differences might be factors, but they would be secondary to Russia's strategic interests. Russia has never expressed a desire to join NATO, so option C is incorrect.

Question 16

Different theories disagree on the role and importance of economic factors in international relations.Which of the following is a correct portrayal of these theories' views?

Accepted Answer

Radicals view economic factors as the primary force shaping international relations, while realists acknowledge its significance but also consider other factors like power and security. Liberals emphasize the importance of economic interdependence in promoting cooperation but do not view it as the sole cause. Option A is incorrect as radicals acknowledge the importance of economics in shaping international relations. Option B is partially correct, as realists do see economic factors behind some international conflicts, but it is not the only factor they consider. Option C is incorrect as stated above.

Question 17

The radical perspective places emphasis on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The radical perspective, often associated with Marxist theories, emphasizes economics, particularly the ways in which economic structures and class relations influence social and political life.

Question 18

Radicals such as John A.Hobson believe that capitalism necessarily leads to imperial expansion because

Accepted Answer

According to John A. Hobson's theory of imperialism, underconsumption by the lower classes of developed states leads to overproduction and the need for new markets for capitalists to sell their goods and services. This leads to the expansion of capitalism and imperialism, where developed states seek out new territories and markets to exploit and control, resulting in the colonization of developing countries. Therefore, option A is the best choice as it aligns with Hobson's theory. The other options do not fully capture Hobson's reason for why capitalism necessarily leads to imperialism.

Question 19

For constructivists,a key source of power is

Accepted Answer

Constructivists believe that power comes from ideas and social norms, rather than just material resources. This is different from realists who believe power is primarily based on military capabilities, geography, and economic strength.

Question 20

The analysis of economic classes produced by the capitalist system is fundamentally important to which of the following theoretical perspectives?

Accepted Answer

The analysis of economic classes and the inequalities produced by the capitalist system is central to the perspective of radicalism, which seeks to fundamentally change the existing social and economic order by challenging the power of dominant economic and political elites. Liberalism, realism, and constructivism are focused on different aspects of international relations, such as the role of states, international institutions, and cultural factors, and do not prioritize class analysis in the same way as radicalism.

Quiz 3: International Relations Theories