Question 1

The primary goal of international relations scholars is to
A) Gather information about current world affairs and related domestic policies.
B) Describe the history of foreign policy in different regions.
C) Advise diplomats and policy makers, and also provide key information to the public.
D) Explain why certain events take place and why they are important.

Accepted Answer

The primary goal of international relations scholars is to explain why certain events take place and why they are important. While they may also gather information, describe history, and advise policymakers, their ultimate goal is to provide comprehensive explanations for international events and phenomena.

Question 2

International relations is LEAST involved with the following:
A) The study of nongovernment activities in foreign countries.
B) U.S. government aid to help homeowners pay their mortgages.
C) The effects of a drought in the United States for global crop prices.
D) The impact of migration flows on countries' labor market and welfare system.

Accepted Answer

International relations is concerned with the interactions between countries and the global community, and U.S. government aid to help homeowners pay their mortgages is a domestic issue that is not directly related to international relations. A, C, and D all involve aspects of foreign countries and their interactions with the rest of the world.

Question 3

International political economy BEST refers to
A) An international association of economic scholars and businessmen.
B) A homogeneous field.
C) The study of complex interactions of economic and political factors.
D) A research area with focus on international economics.

Accepted Answer

International political economy (IPE) is the study of the complex interactions between economic and political factors at the international level. IPE examines how international trade, global finance, and international institutions such as the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund are shaped by political factors, and how they in turn affect political outcomes. Therefore, choice C, which reflects the multifaceted nature of the subject, is the best answer.

Question 4

International law is about ____ concerning interactions among states, institutions, and organizations involved in international relations.
A) Disputes and conflicts.
B) Interpretations and applications.
C) Rules and regulations.
D) Behaviors and codes.

Accepted Answer

International law consists of rules and regulations that govern the behavior of states, institutions, and organizations involved in international relations. It is not limited to just disputes and conflicts or interpretations and applications, but encompasses a wide range of legal principles and norms. Behaviors and codes may be a part of international law, but they are not the primary focus. Therefore, choice C is the best answer.

Question 5

Which field is NOT likely to be included in international relations?
A) Geography.
B) History.
C) Government.
D) Physics.

Accepted Answer

Physics is not likely to be included in international relations as it is a scientific field unrelated to political and diplomatic interactions between states. The other three choices - Geography, History, and Government - are all relevant to the study of international relations.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT considered a constitutive element of a state?
A) A governing entity.
B) A settled population.
C) Defined state borders.
D) A national currency.

Accepted Answer

While a national currency may be common in most states, it is not a necessary or constitutive element of a state. Some countries may use a foreign currency, operate on a barter system or have multiple currencies in circulation. The other options - a governing entity, a settled population, and defined state borders - are all critical elements that define a state.

Question 7

According to the text, which of the following is true about state sovereignty?
A) The allegiance of the people living on a territory is not important.
B) No higher authority can tell a sovereign state what to do within its territory.
C) A sovereign state should not make its decisions independently.
D) Sovereignty does not refer to a territory, but rather to a shared identity.

Accepted Answer

The text states that state sovereignty means that no higher authority can tell a sovereign state what to do within its territory. Therefore, option B is the correct choice. Option A is incorrect because the text does not mention that the people's allegiance is not important. Option C is incorrect because the text states the opposite, that a sovereign state should make its decisions independently. Option D is incorrect because the text directly contradicts this statement, saying that sovereignty refers to a territory and not a shared identity.

Question 8

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
A) Has been recognized by the United Nations.
B) Has been recognized by several Middle East countries.
C) Declared itself a state in 2013.
D) Was abolished in the 1930s

Accepted Answer

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) declared itself a state in 2013, controlling territory in Iraq and Syria. It has not been recognized by the United Nations or any country as a legitimate state. Option A and B are incorrect as the organization has not been recognized by any official entity. Option D is also incorrect, as there was no organization by this name in the 1930s.

Question 9

In what year did Europe formally agree that individual states could determine religious matter within their borders?
A) 1789.
B) 1492.
C) 1914.
D) 1648.

Accepted Answer

The year 1648 marks the signing of the Treaty of Westphalia, which formally ended the Thirty Years' War in Europe. One of the key provisions of the treaty was the recognition of the principle of cuius regio, eius religio, which stated that the religion of the ruler would determine the religion of the state. In other words, individual states could determine religious matters within their borders without interference from external powers. This principle laid the groundwork for modern concepts of religious freedom and the separation of church and state.

Question 10

Which of the following statements BEST applies to states?
A) They do not have a sovereign territory.
B) Their populations are exclusively within clearly defined borders.
C) States cannot give up their sovereignty.
D) They remain important actors in international relations today.

Accepted Answer

States are still considered important actors in international relations, as they hold significant power and influence in global politics. While some states may face challenges to their sovereignty, the concept of the state as a political entity with defined borders and a government remains a foundational aspect of contemporary international relations.

Question 11

The territories of Alsace-Lorraine and Quebec are BEST described as
A) Homogeneous areas within a country's boundaries.
B) Territories with heterogeneous populations and a source of conflict.
C) Small but independent countries surrounded by larger countries.
D) Former French colonies lost in nineteenth-century wars.

Accepted Answer

Both Alsace-Lorraine and Quebec have heterogenous populations and have been a source of conflict within their respective countries. Alsace-Lorraine was historically part of Germany but was annexed by France after the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, leading to tensions between the Germanic and French-speaking populations. Quebec is a predominantly French-speaking province in Canada, and struggles with tensions between the francophone Quebecois population and the anglophone population in the rest of Canada.

Question 12

Which of the following statements is NOT true?
A) Sovereignty allows the state to claim that everything taking place inside its borders is its own business.
B) International treaties and economic and military capacities support state sovereignty.
C) The term nation has several meanings.
D) Nations cannot be "invented" or constructed if they have not acquired physical space.

Accepted Answer

Nations can be constructed based on shared cultural, historical, or linguistic identities, even if they do not have a physical territory.

Question 13

______ refers to the growing irrelevance of state borders, the importance of international exchanges of good and ideas, and increased openness to innovation.
A) Glocalization.
B) Antiglobalization.
C) Globalization.
D) Globalism.

Accepted Answer

Globalization refers to the process of increasing interconnectedness and integration of economies, societies, and cultures around the world. This includes the breaking down of state borders, increased international trade and flow of ideas, and openness to innovation.

Question 14

Diplomacy is the practice of _________ international relations by means of _________.
A) Managing . . . negotiation.
B) Analyzing . . . research methods.
C) Evaluating . . . reports and briefs.
D) Avoiding . . . force.

Accepted Answer

Diplomacy involves managing international relations through negotiation, rather than relying on force or other means. Therefore, option A is the most accurate choice. Options B and C involve analyzing or evaluating information rather than taking action to manage relations. Option D suggests avoidance rather than proactive engagement.

Question 15

Foreign policy actions are NOT likely to include
A) Official decisions and communications.
B) State governments, NGOs, and corporations.
C) Municipal town hall meetings.
D) International organizations.

Accepted Answer

Municipal town hall meetings are not a typical platform for foreign policy actions, as they are more focused on local issues and concerns. Foreign policy actions are more likely to involve official decisions and communications, as well as the involvement of state governments, NGOs, corporations, and international organizations.

Question 16

Which branch of the government includes a ministry or department of foreign affairs?
A) The legislative.
B) The executive.
C) The judiciary.
D) Foreign policy is conducted separately from these branches.

Accepted Answer

The executive branch includes the ministry or department of foreign affairs, as it is responsible for being the face of the government in international relations and negotiations. The legislative branch creates laws and the judiciary interprets them, but foreign affairs fall under the purview of the executive branch.

Question 17

The judicial branch of a state may also be involved in foreign policy. Which of the following statement is FALSE?
A) Courts can make assessments of and about the applicability of certain international laws.
B) Courts decide on claims submitted by foreign countries.
C) Court decisions apply globally.
D) Courts can evaluate the effect of agreements on the territory of a state.

Accepted Answer

Court decisions generally only apply within the jurisdiction of the state in which they are made, unless there is a specific provision for their application outside of that jurisdiction. The other statements are true - courts can interpret international laws and agreements, decide on claims brought by foreign countries, and evaluate the impact of agreements on the state's territory.

Question 18

IGOs increase global _______ of individual states and, to some degree, limit their ______.
A) Accountability . . . power.
B) Accountability . . . sovereignty.
C) Interdependence . . . dependence.
D) Transparency . . . interdependence.

Accepted Answer

IGOs, such as the United Nations or World Trade Organization, require member states to comply with international agreements and regulations, which can limit a state's sovereignty. At the same time, IGOs can also increase accountability by providing a forum for states to address global issues collectively. Therefore, option B is the best choice as it highlights both aspects of IGOs.

Question 19

OPEC's main goal is to
A) Promote efficient and cost-effective international shipping.
B) Avoid the creation of cartels in the automobile industry.
C) Set standards for member states' oil production and sales.
D) Oversee the global trade of alternative energy sources.

Accepted Answer

OPEC's main goal is to set production limits and quotas for its member states in order to maintain stable oil prices and ensure a steady supply of crude oil to the global market. They also work on developing policies to protect the interests of the member countries' oil industries.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a reason for the growth of NGOs in recent decades?
A) NGOs have benefitted from global tax breaks for their legal status.
B) NGOs have benefitted from the global spread of democratic forms of government.
C) NGOs have benefitted from globalization and the growing complexity of international problems.
D) NGOs have benefitted from new communication and information technology.

Accepted Answer

NGOs have not benefitted from global tax breaks for their legal status. While tax exemptions may be available to NGOs in some countries, it is not a primary reason for their growth. The other options, B, C, and D, all represent factors that have contributed to the growth of NGOs in recent decades.

Quiz 1: Introducing International Relations

The primary goal of international relations scholars is to

International relations is LEAST involved with the following:

International political economy BEST refers to

International law is about ____ concerning interactions among states, institutions, and organizations involved in international relations.

Which field is NOT likely to be included in international relations?

Which of the following is NOT considered a constitutive element of a state?

According to the text, which of the following is true about state sovereignty?

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

In what year did Europe formally agree that individual states could determine religious matter within their borders?

Which of the following statements BEST applies to states?

The territories of Alsace-Lorraine and Quebec are BEST described as

Which of the following statements is NOT true?

______ refers to the growing irrelevance of state borders, the importance of international exchanges of good and ideas, and increased openness to innovation.

Diplomacy is the practice of _ international relations by means of _.

Foreign policy actions are NOT likely to include

Which branch of the government includes a ministry or department of foreign affairs?

The judicial branch of a state may also be involved in foreign policy. Which of the following statement is FALSE?

IGOs increase global _ of individual states and, to some degree, limit their .

OPEC's main goal is to

Which of the following is NOT a reason for the growth of NGOs in recent decades?