Question 1

When a theory answers the following question, "why does theory matter?" It is referring to the _________________ nature of the theory.

Accepted Answer

A prescriptive theory explains why something matters and provides guidance on how to act accordingly.

Question 2

Which of the following theories is not highlighted in the chapter?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 3

Which of these theories is based on the view that competitive self-interest, given the preeminent goal of survival, drives global politics?

Accepted Answer

Realist Theory is based on the view that competitive self-interest, given the preeminent goal of survival, drives global politics. It assumes that states are the primary actors in international relations and that they seek to maximize their power in a self-help system. Realists believe that conflict is the norm in international relations and that cooperation is difficult to achieve because of the anarchic international system.

Question 4

Which of the following is not a defensive realist?

Accepted Answer

John Mearsheimer is associated with offensive realism, not defensive realism. Offensive realism, a theory he developed, argues that great powers are always seeking to maximize their share of world power because they can never be sure of other states' intentions. This contrasts with defensive realism, which suggests states are primarily concerned with maintaining their security rather than maximizing power.

Question 5

The ideas of neoclassical-realism were first introduced by__________________.

Accepted Answer

Gideon Rose is credited with first introducing the ideas of neoclassical realism in the field of international relations.

Question 6

The oldest and most prominent alternative to realist theory is _____________.

Accepted Answer

Liberalism is the oldest and most prominent alternative to realist theory, emphasizing cooperation, democracy, and international institutions in international relations.

Question 7

_______________ are proponents of cosmopolitanism.

Accepted Answer

Liberals are proponents of cosmopolitanism, which emphasizes interconnectedness and the importance of universal human rights and responsibilities.

Question 8

Machiavelli is a chief architect of ___________.

Accepted Answer

Machiavelli is widely considered one of the main founders of modern realism, which emphasizes the importance of power, self-interest, and military strength in international relations. His writing in "The Prince" has been studied by scholars of international relations to understand the dynamics of power politics in the context of statecraft.

Question 9

Which of the following scholars is not described as a modern realist?

Accepted Answer

John Locke is not described as a modern realist. While Locke's political philosophy has had a significant impact on Western political thought, his ideas are generally classified as classical liberal, emphasizing individual rights and limited government rather than the realist focus on power politics and state interests. Kennan, Carr, and Morgenthau are all prominent figures in modern realist thought.

Question 10

Which of these thinkers heavily influenced a realist view of the state?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Hobbes heavily influenced the realist view of the state. He believed that the state's primary role was to maintain order and security and that individuals would give up certain liberties in exchange for protection from the state. His ideas about the importance of a strong central authority and the need for a social contract between the state and its citizens are central to realism. Rawls, Kant, and Marx all had different views on the role and nature of the state that do not align with classical realism.

Question 11

In the social sciences, a ________ is mostly a composite of a set of assumptions about how the world works.

Accepted Answer

A fact is a verifiable observation, while a theory is a set of assumptions and explanations about the world that has not yet been definitively proven. A hunch is a personal belief or intuition, and a policy is a course of action taken by an organization or government. Therefore, the best choice is B, theory, as it aligns with the definition provided.

Question 12

The term bellum omnium contra omnes means ___________________________.

Accepted Answer

Bellum omnium contra omnes is a Latin phrase meaning "the war of all against all." It refers to a state of nature where there is no central authority or government to enforce laws and individuals must protect themselves from others. This concept is often associated with the philosopher Thomas Hobbes and his book Leviathan.

Question 13

The ideas that states are the only actors that matter stems from a(n) ______________ and _______________ imperative.

Accepted Answer

The concept of anarchy in international relations theory suggests that there is no higher authority above states and thus they are left to compete for survival in a world with no overarching order. This drives the imperative that states are the only actors that matter, as they must take care of their own survival and interests in the absence of a higher authority.

Question 14

The belief that self-interest must be prioritized over values is that of _________.

Accepted Answer

Classical realists prioritize self-interest over values, believing that nations act based on the pursuit of power and security, rather than ethical or moral considerations.

Question 15

A good theory generally is both ____________ and ___________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A good theory generally is both ____________...

Question 16

According to World Systems Theory, global economic and political power is centered around the _________ countries.

Accepted Answer

World Systems Theory posits that global economic and political power is centered around the core countries, which include the most developed and economically advanced nations. The G20, UN Security Council permanent members, and WTO General Council are all important international organizations, but they do not necessarily reflect global economic and political power dynamics in the same way that the core countries do.

Question 17

___________is the degree of equilibrium or disequilibrium of power in the global or regional system.

Accepted Answer

Balance of power refers to the distribution of capabilities among different countries, organizations, or groups in order to maintain stability and prevent any one entity from dominating the system. This includes military power, economic power, cultural power, and other forms of influence. A balance of power is considered to be the ideal situation in international relations, as it promotes peace and stability while allowing for competition and negotiation. Soft power, hard power, and referent power are all forms of influence or coercion that can be used to shape the balance of power, but they are not the same as the balance of power itself.

Question 18

According to neorealists, countries are ___________________________________.

Accepted Answer

According to neorealists, countries are rational actors. This means that they make decisions based on a cost-benefit analysis and seek to maximize their own self-interest. Cooperation may sometimes occur, but only as a means to achieving their own goals. Ideologies and morality may influence a country's behavior, but ultimately they will act in a way that they perceive to be in their own best interest.

Question 19

The idea that it is a part of human nature of states to cooperate is rooted in________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The idea that it is a part...

Question 20

Alexander Wendt is a chief architect of ____________.

Accepted Answer

Alexander Wendt is one of the chief architects of constructivism in International Relations theory.

Quiz 2: Theory Is Everywhere