Question 1

To argue that Poland has been frequently attacked because it sits in the middle of the European plains is to argue for the importance of ______.

Accepted Answer

Geopolitics is the study of the relationship between geography and politics, and how geographical factors influence political decisions and international relations. Poland's location in the middle of the European plains makes it a key factor in understanding the geopolitical dynamics of Europe, as its position has made it vulnerable to invasion and attack throughout history.

Question 2

Thinking through a realist lens, which of the following factors is important in international relations??

Accepted Answer

Realist theory places great emphasis on the concept of the security dilemma, which refers to the idea that a state's efforts to enhance its own security can create a sense of insecurity among other states, leading to increased tensions and the potential for conflict. Realists believe that in the absence of an overarching world government, the international system is characterized by a struggle for power and security, with states seeking to maximize their own interests and protect themselves from potential threats. While factors such as modernization, interdependence, and institutional development can certainly have an impact on international relations, the security dilemma is seen as a fundamental and enduring feature of the international system that shapes the behavior of states.

Question 3

If an explanation of World War I argues that Germany's militarist ideology, which glorified aggressive war, was the cause of war, it is best described by the ______ perspective.

Accepted Answer

The identity perspective focuses on the ways in which social and cultural factors shape state behavior, and argues that Germany's worldview and identity as a militaristic nation, which included the glorification of aggressive war, was the primary cause of World War I. Realism focuses on the distribution of power and the anarchic nature of the international system, while liberalism prioritizes democracy, economic interdependence, and international institutions. Critical theory emphasizes the role of power, inequality, and ideology in shaping international events.

Question 4

The ______ perspective describes the prisoner's dilemma as a zero-sum game, where one actor will gain and the other loses.

Accepted Answer

The realist perspective views international relations as a zero-sum game where one actor's gain is another actor's loss. The prisoner's dilemma is often used to illustrate this perspective, as it shows how even when cooperation would benefit both parties, the rational choice for each individual actor is to defect and pursue their own self-interest.

Question 5

The realist perspective tends to define power as ______.

Accepted Answer

The realist perspective emphasizes material capabilities as the defining factor of power. This often relates to military strength, economic resources, and other tangible assets that allow a state to project its influence and achieve its goals. Realists argue that states are motivated by self-interest and are constantly competing with one another for power and security, which makes material capabilities crucial.

Question 6

Marxist critical theory emphasizes which explanation of politics?

Accepted Answer

Marxist critical theory emphasizes that history is driven forward by a dialectic conflict between economic classes.

Question 7

The ______ level of analysis is often called a two-level game?

Accepted Answer

The foreign policy level of analysis is often referred to as a two-level game, where domestic and international pressures interact in the decision-making process.

Question 8

As emphasized by the identity perspective, the phrase "anarchy is what states make of it" refers to the idea that state behavior is shaped by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The phrase "anarchy is what states make of it" is a central concept of the identity perspective, which argues that the nature of the international system is constructed through the repetitive social interactions of states. This means that state behavior is shaped not only by the material distribution of power (choice A), but also by the social norms, beliefs, and perceptions that define what actions are deemed appropriate or unacceptable in the international arena. The identity perspective emphasizes that states can pursue their interests through reciprocal interactions in international institutions (choice B), but this is ultimately shaped by the shared sense of identity and interests that underlie these institutions. Finally, the phrase does not refer specifically to the attribute of states not being subordinate to a higher power (choice D), although this is related to the larger conceptual framework of anarchy and the absence of a world government.

Question 9

Marxist critical theory emphasizes which of the following explanations for politics?

Accepted Answer

Marxist critical theory emphasizes that history is driven forward by a dialectic conflict between economic classes.

Question 10

Arguing that North Korea, like other absolute dictatorships, is dangerous is an example of an argument from the ______ level of analysis.

Accepted Answer

This argument is from the domestic level of analysis because it focuses on the internal characteristics of a country (in this case, its political system) to explain its behavior on the international stage.

Question 11

What term describes the discussions and negotiations among states, as emphasized by the liberal perspective?

Accepted Answer

Diplomacy is the term that describes discussions and negotiations among states, as emphasized by the liberal perspective, focusing on peaceful negotiations and dialogue to resolve conflicts and foster cooperation.

Question 12

Relative identities are identities that ______.

Accepted Answer

Relative identities position actors' self-images with respect to one another as similar or dissimilar.

Question 13

According to the liberal perspective, which of the following is true about institutions?

Accepted Answer

According to the liberal perspective, institutions increase efficiency and control by regularizing international contacts and communications. This is because institutions provide a set of rules and norms that govern how states interact with each other, promoting cooperation and reducing the likelihood of conflict. The other choices are incorrect: B is not necessarily true; C is not true, as institutions can shape the interests and identity of states; and D is not always true, as institutions can be controlled by a variety of actors, not just powerful governments.

Question 14

Deterrence refers to the use of ______.

Accepted Answer

Deterrence refers to the use of threatened retaliation through force to stop an attack before it occurs.

Question 15

______ refers to the idea that in an anarchic international system, there is no higher authority above states, either at home or abroad.

Accepted Answer

Sovereignty refers to the principle that in an anarchic international system, there is no higher authority above states, either at home or abroad. This means that states are the ultimate authority within their own borders and can make their own decisions without interference from external actors.

Question 16

What term describes the number of great powers in the international system?

Accepted Answer

Polarity refers to the number of great powers in the international system. It refers to the distribution of power among states and is described as unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar depending on the number of great powers in the system.

Question 17

______ describes the substance of a cause in an explanation of an international outcome.

Accepted Answer

Perspective describes the substance of a cause in an explanation of an international outcome, as it refers to a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view that can shape explanations and understandings of international relations and outcomes.

Question 18

Which term refers to a network of intergovernmental organizations that together make up a loose form of world government?

Accepted Answer

Global governance refers to a network of intergovernmental organizations that work together to make decisions and policies that affect the world as a whole. It is often seen as a type of world government, although it is more loosely structured and less centralized than a traditional government. The other choices, transnational relations and interdependence, refer to related concepts, but do not specifically relate to a network of intergovernmental organizations. The League of Nations was a precursor to the United Nations and is no longer in existence.

Question 19

Kenneth Waltz and John Mearsheimer argue that ______ worlds are the most stable because two bigger powers have only each other to worry about.

Accepted Answer

Kenneth Waltz and John Mearsheimer argue that bipolar worlds are the most stable because two bigger powers have only each other to worry about. In a unipolar world, the dominant power may face challenges from multiple weaker powers, while in a multipolar world, there are multiple competing powers with potential for conflict. The concept of a tripolar world is less common and less stable than a bipolar or multipolar world.

Question 20

If an explanation of World War I argues that Germany's relative power was the cause of war, it is best described by the ______ levels of analysis.

Accepted Answer

The systemic level of analysis looks at the global distribution of power and how it can lead to conflict between states. Arguing that Germany's relative power was the cause of war fits within this level of analysis.

Quiz 2: How to Think About International Relations: Perspectives, Levels of Analysis, and Causal Arrows