Question 1

Complex interdependence differs significantly from realism by including

Accepted Answer

Complex interdependence is characterized by multiple actors, such as states, non-governmental organizations, and international institutions working together in highly interdependent relationships. Realism, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of the state as the primary actor in international relations and focuses on power as the main driving force.

Question 2

In which ways did the Concert of Europe apply balance of power theory to a tense political and military relationship in Europe in the nineteenth century? What other theories may help to explain the European political and military arrangements during the post-Napoleonic period?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In which ways did the Concert of...

Question 3

One of the concerns or criticisms of liberal institutionalism is that

Accepted Answer

Liberal institutionalism is criticized for assuming that states will cooperate through institutions, but states may be reluctant to limit their behavior due to fear of cheating by others.

Question 4

__________ argues that the basic characteristics of international relations have not changed over the past 2500 years.

Accepted Answer

Realism argues that the basic characteristics of international relations have not changed over time, and that the international system is characterized by anarchy, self-help, competition for power, and the pursuit of national interests. This perspective asserts that politics remains a struggle for power and that nations will act in their own self-interests.

Question 5

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called __________ an "existential threat" to Israel.

Accepted Answer

Netanyahu has long expressed concern about Iran's nuclear program, calling it an "existential threat" due to Iran's anti-Israel rhetoric and support for militant groups like Hezbollah.

Question 6

The state is an essential component for realists. First, what are the defining characteristics of the state? Second, why are realists so attached to the state as the dominant actor in international politics? Third, how do realists incorporate nonstate actors into their argument?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The state is an essential component for...

Question 7

Which theory would accept that Russia remains powerful in the military area, Japan is powerful in terms of the economy, and Saudi Arabia is powerful in terms of petroleum?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which theory would accept that Russia remains...

Question 8

Both complex interdependence theory and liberal institutionalism see __________ as important and possible in international politics.

Accepted Answer

Both complex interdependence theory and liberal institutionalism emphasize the possibility and importance of collaboration and cooperation in international politics. Complex interdependence theory suggests that states are economically interdependent and interconnected, leading to a mutual interest in cooperation and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Similarly, liberal institutionalism emphasizes the role of international institutions in facilitating cooperation and managing conflicts through negotiation and compromise. Neither theory prioritizes a balance of power, hegemonic stability, or disarmament as the primary goal in international politics.

Question 9

How do realists view international organizations and institutions?

Accepted Answer

Realists view international organizations and institutions with skepticism, believing that they serve the interests of powerful states and that smaller states will eventually regret putting their faith in them. They argue that these organizations cannot solve the world's problems through cooperation and collaboration because states are primarily focused on their own interests.

Question 10

Liberalism argues that

Accepted Answer

Liberalism argues that collaboration and cooperation among states is necessary for progress and mutual benefit. They believe in the importance of international institutions and peaceful conflict resolution.

Question 11

Power is an essential concept for both realism and liberalism. How do these two theories consider power? In what ways are their views similar from each other? In what ways are their views different?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Power is an essential concept for both...

Question 12

What is pluralism?

Accepted Answer

Pluralism refers to the idea that in complex interdependence theory there are many different actors, including states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, who all have a role in shaping international relations. This can lead to a more decentralized and diverse approach to decision-making and policy implementation.

Question 13

Given what you know both about the war in Iraq as a policy in fighting terror and about realism and liberalism, how would a realist and a liberal explain this conflict?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Given what you know both about the...

Question 14

What are the basic features of complex interdependence? In what way does complex interdependence help or hurt our understanding of international politics, and why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the basic features of complex...

Question 15

In the final analysis, the Bush administration explained its military involvement in Iraq as a means to bring democracy to an unstable Middle East. How does this example relate to the democratic peace theory? Was it a successful application of the theory to this troubled country? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the final analysis, the Bush administration...

Question 16

The focus on multiple actors in complex interdependence theory is sometimes referred to as

Accepted Answer

Complex interdependence theory emphasizes the importance of multiple actors with varying degrees of power and influence in shaping global politics, which is referred to as pluralism.

Question 17

What is the prisoner's dilemma? How does the prisoner's dilemma assist in understanding the security dilemma? How do liberal institutionalists use the prisoner's dilemma?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the prisoner's dilemma? How does...

Question 18

The Concert of Europe proved that

Accepted Answer

The Concert of Europe was an attempt by the major powers of Europe to collaborate and prevent war. When this collaboration broke down, every state ended up worse off. This supports the liberal institutionalist theory that collaboration and cooperation are important for maintaining stability and preventing conflict.

Question 19

The normative claim that progress is certainly possible in international politics generally belongs to which theory?

Accepted Answer

The belief that progress is possible in international politics and that international cooperation can contribute to achieving common goals is a core tenet of liberalism. Liberal theorists argue that international institutions, norms, and cooperation can promote peace, stability, and prosperity among states. Realism, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of power politics and the pursuit of national interests, and does not see progress as something that can easily be achieved in international relations. Marxism and neorealism have different critiques of liberalism, but they do not share the same view on the potential for progress in international politics.

Question 20

Complex interdependence consists of

Accepted Answer

Complex interdependence refers to a situation where states are interdependent on each other in multiple ways and through multiple channels, including economic, cultural, technological, and military aspects. There is no simple balance of power or hierarchy of authority between states, and state sovereignty is not absolute. Anarchy refers to a lack of a central authority or government, which may or may not exist in a system of complex interdependence.

Quiz 3: Theories of International Relations Realism and Liberalism