Question 1

The rise of internationalism as a guiding principle in U.S. foreign policy can be seen in U.S. efforts to create the United Nations in 1945.

Accepted Answer

The creation of the United Nations was a key step in the rise of internationalism as a guiding principle in U.S. foreign policy following World War II. The U.S. played a major role in the creation of the UN and has been a significant member of the organization ever since.

Question 2

Between 1945 and the Vietnam War, architects of U.S. foreign policy primarily had an isolationist viewpoint.

Accepted Answer

Between 1945 and the Vietnam War, the United States adopted a policy of internationalism, actively engaging in global affairs and building alliances with other countries to promote democracy and contain the spread of communism. This was a departure from the isolationist policies of the past, such as the U.S. refusal to join the League of Nations after World War I.

Question 3

What foreign policy philosophy contends that it is in the United States' best interests to pursue foreign relations with other nations out of both self-interest and a moral obligation to intervene during international crises?

Accepted Answer

The philosophy of internationalism believes in pursuing foreign relations based on both self-interest and a moral obligation to intervene during international crises. This philosophy advocates for strong engagement with other countries through diplomacy, alliances, and international organizations to promote peace, prosperity, and security. It supports the use of military force as a last resort to protect American interests and uphold global values. It is different from realism, which prioritizes national interests over moral considerations, idealism, which emphasizes moral values over national interests, isolationism, which seeks to avoid involvement in international affairs, and nationalism, which promotes national interests and identity above all else.

Question 4

Interest groups play a very small role in foreign policy because foreign governments are prohibited from lobbying.

Accepted Answer

Interest groups do play a role in foreign policy, but foreign governments themselves are prohibited from lobbying. However, foreign interest groups and lobbyists can still attempt to influence policy decisions. Additionally, domestic interest groups, such as those representing business or human rights interests, can also lobby for certain foreign policy outcomes.

Question 5

The United States' operating on its own to target and kill Osama bin Laden is an example of a unilateral action.

Accepted Answer

Unilateral action refers to an action taken by a single country without the involvement or agreement of other countries. The United States' decision to carry out the mission to kill Osama bin Laden without informing Pakistan or seeking its cooperation was a unilateral action.

Question 6

Idealists might favor action against the Syrian government because they believe the United States is morally obligated to protect innocent civilians from violence and to uphold human rights.

Accepted Answer

Idealists prioritize moral values and principles, and may view the protection of civilians and human rights as a top priority, leading them to call for action against the Syrian government.

Question 7

What foreign policy philosophy contends that the motivating factor of a nation's international decision-making process is (or should be) that nation's own interests?

Accepted Answer

Realism is the philosophy that contends that a nation's international decision-making process is (or should be) motivated by its own interests. Realists believe that nations should prioritize their own security and survival above other concerns, and they are often skeptical of global cooperation and idealistic notions of morality or universal values.

Question 8

The United Kingdom, China, France, Russia, and the United States serve on the United Nations Security Council.

Accepted Answer

This is true. The five countries mentioned are the permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Question 9

The U.S. policy of containment during the Cold War represented the United States' attempt to enforce the Monroe Doctrine.

Accepted Answer

The U.S. policy of containment during the Cold War was aimed at preventing the spread of communism globally, not enforcing the Monroe Doctrine, which was primarily about opposing European colonialism in the Americas.

Question 10

Numerous nations have coordinated their efforts to deter pirate attacks against civilian shipping. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Multilateral action refers to cooperation between multiple nations in addressing a particular issue, such as efforts to deter piracy.

Question 11

An internationalist would support U.S. efforts to provide humanitarian aid to people in a foreign nation engulfed in a civil war, even if other nations were unwilling to help.

Accepted Answer

An internationalist believes in promoting cooperation and collaboration between nations to address global issues, and would support efforts to provide humanitarian aid even if it means the U.S. acting alone.

Question 12

Invading Afghanistan in response to the 9/11 attacks is an example of the Bush Doctrine.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Invading Afghanistan in response to the 9/11...

Question 13

The efforts of the "Six Powers" to negotiate limits with Iran on its nuclear program is an example of a unilateral action.

Accepted Answer

The negotiations between the "Six Powers" (United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, France, and Germany) and Iran over its nuclear program were a multilateral effort, involving multiple countries working together to reach a diplomatic agreement.

Question 14

What foreign policy philosophy contends that the United States' best interests are served by avoiding formal agreements and activity with other nations?

Accepted Answer

Isolationism is a foreign policy philosophy that advocates for a country to avoid formal alliances and interactions with other nations. This philosophy asserts that a country's best interests are served by focusing on its internal affairs and limiting its involvement in international affairs. Isolationist policies were prevalent in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly before World War II.

Question 15

The difference between the foreign policies of President George W. Bush and President Obama is that Bush acted as a realist while Obama acted as an idealist.

Accepted Answer

This statement is incorrect. In fact, many scholars argue that Bush acted as an idealist with his emphasis on democracy promotion and the "war on terror," while Obama was criticized for his more realist and pragmatic approach to foreign policy.

Question 16

The National Security Council primarily assists the U.S. Congress by keeping the legislative branch informed of national security threats.

Accepted Answer

The National Security Council primarily assists the President of the United States in formulating and executing national security and foreign policies, as well as advising the President on matters related to national security. While they may provide information to Congress, it is not their primary function.

Question 17

Isolationists favored the war in Iraq because the United States was attempting to maximize its own economic and national security interests.

Accepted Answer

Isolationists are individuals who advocate for non-intervention in foreign affairs and prioritize domestic issues over international ones. Therefore, they would not typically support a war that involves sending troops and resources abroad.

Question 18

Foreign policy includes issues that concern human rights.

Accepted Answer

Foreign policy often involves dealing with governments and countries that have poor records on human rights. Therefore, human rights issues are a significant aspect of foreign policy.

Question 19

An example of how trade policy can influence foreign policy occurred in the 1990s when the Clinton administration bestowed "most-favored-nation" status on China in exchange for China's willingness to moderate its human rights policies.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. The granting of most-favored-nation status to China in the 1990s was part of a larger effort by the Clinton administration to engage economically with China and encourage the country to improve its record on human rights. This trade policy decision had a significant impact on US foreign policy towards China at the time.

Question 20

U.S. antiterror actions that are not coordinated with other nations are an example of:

Accepted Answer

Unilateral action refers to actions undertaken by a nation without the cooperation or coordination of other nations. Therefore, U.S. antiterror actions that are not coordinated with other nations can be considered an example of unilateral action.

Quiz 17: Foreign Policy