Question 1

Most U.S. arms exports go to democratic countries.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 2

The safeguards built into the non-proliferation regime are adequate to detect and prevent secret nuclear weapons development programs.

Accepted Answer

While the safeguards are designed to detect and prevent secret nuclear weapons development programs, there have been instances in the past where they were not effective. For example, North Korea was able to develop nuclear weapons despite being a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and subject to safeguards by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Additionally, national security concerns may prevent countries from disclosing all of their nuclear activities, making it difficult for the safeguards to effectively monitor their nuclear programs.

Question 3

The realist approach to national security includes all but which of the following?
A) Arming themselves
B) Forming alliances with other countries
C) Severing alliances when beneficial
D) Nuclear superiority
E) Using military approaches and coercive diplomacy when necessary

Accepted Answer

Realism in international relations emphasizes power and security, often through military means and alliances. However, it does not specifically prioritize nuclear superiority, which is more characteristic of certain strategic doctrines rather than realism as a whole.

Question 4

Horizontal nuclear proliferation is an increase in capabilities of existing nuclear powers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Horizontal nuclear proliferation is an increase in...

Question 5

The Nth country problem has to do with an increase in the number of states that possess nuclear weapons.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Nth country problem has to do...

Question 6

The condition that results when each state's increase in military capability is matched by the others, resulting in no significant gain in security for any one state is known as
A) the security dilemma.
B) mutually assured destruction.
C) coercive diplomacy.
D) balance of power.
E) power politics.

Accepted Answer

The security dilemma refers to a situation where actions by a state intended to heighten its security, such as increasing its military capabilities, lead other states to respond with similar measures, creating tension and reducing the security of all involved.

Question 7

The elements of power include: relative size of a state's capabilities, its geographic position, technological capacity, raw materials, and volume of trade.

Accepted Answer

These elements are commonly recognized as factors that contribute to a state's power in international relations, influencing its ability to exert influence and achieve its objectives.

Question 8

In 2002, President George W. Bush called for preemptive action against communist states in an effort to contain communism.

Accepted Answer

President George W. Bush's 2002 policy focused on preemptive action against terrorism and rogue states, not specifically communist states.

Question 9

Japan concentrates almost all of its research expenditures on the development of products that have very little to do with military capabilities.

Accepted Answer

Japan's constitution prohibits the country from developing offensive military capabilities, therefore the country mainly focuses its research on civilian technologies.

Question 10

China and Russia dominate the arms export market, supplying roughly 53 percent of all conventional weapons exported between 2005 and 2009.

Accepted Answer

The answer of China and Russia dominate the arms export...

Question 11

In 2009, the Global South spent more in total on arms acquisitions than the Global North.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In 2009, the Global South spent more...

Question 12

International law prohibits the use of chemical weapons.

Accepted Answer

This is true. The use of chemical weapons is prohibited under international law, specifically the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993.

Question 13

The Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) blasts sounds at a deafening 150 decibels to give enemy combatants an instant headache.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The LRAD is a device that can emit sounds up to 150 decibels, which can cause pain and discomfort to an individual in its range. It is sometimes used by military and law enforcement for crowd control or to deter potential threats.

Question 14

One major reason for the widespread dissemination of arms throughout the Global South was that during the Cold War the United States and the Soviet Union supplied arms to their allies.

Accepted Answer

During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union provided military support, including arms, to countries in the Global South to gain influence and counter each other's presence in these regions.

Question 15

A policy of deterrence requires second-strike capability to ensure a state can inflict an intolerable amount of damage on the state it wishes to deter.

Accepted Answer

A second-strike capability allows a state to retaliate even after suffering a nuclear attack, which is necessary to deter potential attackers. Without this capability, a state may be more vulnerable to attack and may not be able to deter potential aggressors effectively.

Question 16

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty seeks to prevent horizontal proliferation by prohibiting further states from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Accepted Answer

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology to additional states, which is known as horizontal proliferation.

Question 17

An arms race is a competition between two or more states to build up ever larger stockpiles of weapons for their armed forces to quell perceived threats by other nations.

Accepted Answer

An arms race involves countries competing to accumulate more weapons to enhance their military capabilities in response to perceived threats from other nations.

Question 18

Realist theory sees linking countries economically, politically, and culturally through globalization increases national strength and security.

Accepted Answer

Realist theory generally emphasizes the importance of state power and national interests, often viewing globalization with skepticism as it can undermine state sovereignty and security.

Question 19

It has always been the case that the side that spends the most on its military will win a military conflict.

Accepted Answer

The outcome of a military conflict depends on a variety of factors such as strategy, tactics, leadership, motivation, and technology, in addition to military spending. There have been numerous instances throughout history where a smaller or less well-equipped force has emerged victorious over a larger or better-funded opponent.

Question 20

Under the condition of anarchy, realists view military strength as the primary source of national security and international influence.

Accepted Answer

Realists believe that under the condition of anarchy, military strength is the most important factor in ensuring national security and exerting influence in the international system. They argue that states should prioritize increasing their military capabilities to protect their interests and deter potential aggression from other states.

Quiz 8: The Pursuit of Power Through Arms and Alliances