Question 1

Game theory is the use of hypothetical situations to help determine standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Accepted Answer

Game theory is a theoretical framework for conceiving social situations among competing players and for predicting the outcomes of these interactions based on the choices of the players, not specifically for determining standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Question 2

The close relationship between the United States and Western Europe since World War II reflects which of the following?
A)Balance of power
B)Post-modern theory
C)Polarization
D)Liberalism
E)Globalization

Accepted Answer

C

Question 3

Which of the following is not an example of a country in which geography had an impact on its foreign policy?
A)The United States
B)Great Britain
C)Switzerland
D)Germany
E)Geography has had an impact on all these nations.

Accepted Answer

Geography significantly influences the foreign policies of all nations listed. The United States and Great Britain, as maritime powers, have historically leveraged their geographic positions for naval dominance and trade. Switzerland's mountainous terrain has contributed to its policy of neutrality. Germany's location in central Europe has shaped its foreign policy through concerns about border security and relations with neighboring countries.

Question 4

Which of the following is not one of the steps of the decision-making process under rational choice?
A)Identification of alternatives
B)Problem recognition and definition
C)Choice
D)Goal selection
E)All of the above are steps in the decision-making process.

Accepted Answer

All the options listed (Identification of alternatives, Problem recognition and definition, Choice, Goal selection) are indeed steps in the rational choice decision-making process. This process involves recognizing and defining the problem, identifying alternatives, evaluating the alternatives, making a choice, and then implementing and monitoring that choice.

Question 5

The degree with which nations cluster around the powerful nations is known as polarization.

Accepted Answer

Polarization refers to the tendency of nations to cluster around the most powerful nations.

Question 6

Public opinion, interest groups, and mass media are visible parts of foreign policy decision making in democratic societies.

Accepted Answer

These three elements play a significant role in shaping foreign policy decisions in democratic societies by influencing the government's agenda, deliberations, and implementation. Public opinion reflects the views, values, and preferences of citizens, which elected officials consider when formulating policy. Interest groups, such as businesses, NGOs, and social movements, advocate for particular domestic or international policies that align with their interests and values. Mass media, including news outlets and social media platforms, disseminate information, frame issues, and shape public discourse, which can influence policymakers and raise or lower the salience of certain foreign policy topics.

Question 7

The less developed countries along the equator and the southern hemisphere are known as the Global East.

Accepted Answer

The correct term for these countries is actually the Global South, not the Global East.

Question 8

Robert Putnam's analogy of two-level games state that policy makers must consider both the domestic factors in formulating foreign policy and the impact of foreign policy on domestic constituencies.

Accepted Answer

Robert Putnam's analogy of two-level games suggests that policy makers must navigate both the domestic political considerations and the international consequences of their decisions when formulating foreign policy.

Question 9

The hypothesis that leaders may initiate conflict as a way of increasing public support at home or diverting attention away from negative issues is known as diversionary theory of war.

Accepted Answer

This is the correct definition of diversionary theory of war.

Question 10

Complete information regarding the nature of the problem, solutions, and goals is an essential component of rational decision making.

Accepted Answer

Without complete information regarding the problem, potential solutions, and goals, the decision-making process may be flawed or ineffective. Rational decision making requires gathering and analyzing all relevant information before deciding on a course of action.

Question 11

In most countries, foreign policy is made by a central decision maker and a cohesive set of advisors.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In most countries, foreign policy is made...

Question 12

Political efficacy refers to a person's belief in his or her own ability to make effective rational choices.

Accepted Answer

Political efficacy is defined as an individual's belief in their ability to participate and have an impact on political processes and decision-making. This includes making effective rational choices based on their own beliefs and values. As such, A is the correct answer.

Question 13

National leaders often describe their foreign policy-making process as neat, orderly, and rational.

Accepted Answer

The answer of National leaders often describe their foreign policy-making...

Question 14

Polarization refers to
A)distribution of power among states.
B)the degree to which states cluster around powerful states.
C)the degree to which states avoid relations with powerful states.
D)the disparity in wealth between the Global North and the Global South.
E)the tension between great powers.

Accepted Answer

Polarization refers to the degree to which states cluster around powerful states, forming alliances or opposed blocs.

Question 15

The bureaucratic decision-making process increases efficiency and rationality by assigning responsibility for different tasks to different people.

Accepted Answer

The bureaucratic decision-making process is designed to increase efficiency by dividing tasks and responsibilities among different individuals with specialized expertise, thus maximizing rational decision-making.

Question 16

Foreign policy making is more rapid and efficient in democratic than authoritarian regimes.

Accepted Answer

While democratic regimes have more open and transparent foreign policy making processes, authoritarian regimes can often make decisions more quickly due to their centralized power structures. However, the lack of input from diverse perspectives and potential backlash from citizens can ultimately make the decision-making process less efficient in the long run.

Question 17

Polarity refers to
A)the North-South pole.
B)the distribution of power among states.
C)the disparity in wealth between the Global North and the Global South.
D)the competitive nature between two major powers such as between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
E)All of the above are true.

Accepted Answer

Polarity in international relations refers to the distribution of power among states, typically categorized as unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar, depending on how power is distributed globally.

Question 18

A crisis can liberate a leader from the normal constraints of foreign policy decision making.

Accepted Answer

During a crisis, a leader may have more flexibility and broader public support, allowing them to make difficult decisions and take bold actions that would otherwise be difficult to justify.

Question 19

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are an impediment to rational decision making.

Accepted Answer

Standard operating procedures provide a structured approach to decision making and can help ensure consistency, reduce errors, and increase efficiency. While there may be situations where following a strict SOP may not be the best approach, overall they serve as a helpful guide for making rational decisions.

Question 20

The more economically developed a state is, the more likely it is to remain an isolationist and to seek to avoid getting involved in disputes outside of its borders.

Accepted Answer

The statement is not necessarily true. Economic development does not always correlate with isolationism or a reluctance to engage in international affairs. There are many factors that can contribute to a country's foreign policy decisions, such as political ideology, security concerns, historical relationships with other nations, and cultural values.

Quiz 4: States and Foreign Policy Decision Making