Question 1

Mass publics can sometimes affect international relations regardless of what elites do.

Accepted Answer

Mass publics, through protests, social media campaigns, and other forms of activism, can put pressure on their governments to take certain actions or make certain policies regarding foreign relations. This can affect international relations in ways that elites may not have anticipated or intended. For example, mass protests in Western countries against arms sales to Saudi Arabia ultimately led to a reduction in arms sales, impacting relations between those countries.

Question 2

In bipolar systems,alliances are long-term relationships based on interests,whereas in multipolar balance-of-power systems,alliances are short-term relationships formed for a specific purpose.

Accepted Answer

In bipolar systems, alliances tend to be stable and long-term, reflecting the deep ideological divides and interests of the two main powers. In contrast, in multipolar systems, states form and dissolve alliances more frequently and for specific, often short-term, strategic purposes to balance against threats, reflecting the more fluid power dynamics.

Question 3

Constructivists see state power stemming from ideas and language,but do not see it stemming from natural and tangible sources.

Accepted Answer

Constructivists believe that state power is derived not only from ideas and language but also acknowledge the role of material forces and tangible resources, although they emphasize the social construction and meaning of these elements.

Question 4

Like realists,neoliberal institutionalists and some constructivists such as Alexander Wendt see the international system as anarchic.

Accepted Answer

Realists, neoliberal institutionalists, and some constructivists see the international system as anarchic, meaning there is no central authority to enforce rules and order.

Question 5

For realists,a key feature of the international system is that
A) the United Nations has organized interactions among states.
B) some states can legitimately intervene in other states' internal affairs.
C) there is a clear hierarchy among states.
D) all states are sovereign.

Accepted Answer

Realists believe that the international system is made up of sovereign states, meaning that states have ultimate authority over their own territory and domestic affairs. This concept of sovereignty is a key feature of the realist understanding of the international system. Options A, B, and C are not necessarily universal features of the international system according to realist theory.

Question 6

Many liberals see the international system as a(n)________ rather than a(n)________,a view that sets them apart from realists.
A) international society; international institution
B) structure; interdependent and evolving system
C) international institution; international society
D) interdependent and evolving system; structure

Accepted Answer

Liberals view the international system as an interdependent and evolving system rather than a static structure, emphasizing cooperation and mutual benefits, which contrasts with the realist perspective of a rigid, power-based structure.

Question 7

According to constructivists,norms cannot be changed through processes of coercion.

Accepted Answer

Constructivists argue that norms can indeed change through various processes, including socialization, persuasion, and even coercion, as actors interact and share ideas within the international system.

Question 8

While geography,population,and natural resources are important sources of state power,they are not the only ones.Intangible factors such as a positive national image and good leadership can increase state power as well.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true.

Question 9

Neorealist scholars argue that bipolar international systems are
A) less stable than multipolar systems.
B) more stable than multipolar systems.
C) just as stable as multipolar systems.
D) only stable if the primary states are superpowers.

Accepted Answer

Neorealist scholars argue that bipolar international systems are more stable than multipolar systems. This is because in a bipolar system, there are two major powers that balance each other and prevent other states from becoming too dominant. This reduces the chances of a major war due to the fear of retaliation from the other major power. In contrast, in a multipolar system, there are several major powers vying for power and influence, leading to a higher likelihood of conflict and instability.

Question 10

Conceptualizing international relations as a "system" suggests that
A) states and other relevant actors are automatons that lack the capacity to change.
B) there are no regular patterns to international affairs.
C) actors involved in international relations interact with each other in regularized ways.
D) you can only study the whole of international politics at once and not focus on individual actions.

Accepted Answer

Conceptualizing international relations as a "system" suggests that actors involved in international relations interact with each other in regularized ways. This means that their behavior is not random and there are patterns of interaction that can be studied and analyzed. It does not imply that states and other relevant actors are automatons that lack the capacity to change, that there are no regular patterns to international affairs, or that the whole of international politics cannot be studied by focusing on individual actions.

Question 11

Realists believe that soft power is likely to be more effective than hard power.

Accepted Answer

Realists tend to prioritize hard power, such as military force and economic sanctions, over soft power, which includes cultural influence and diplomacy, believing the former to be more effective in international relations.

Question 12

Only individuals who hold leadership positions can have a significant influence on war,peace,and international policies.

Accepted Answer

While leaders certainly have a great deal of influence on war, peace, and international policies, they are not the only individuals who can have a significant impact. Other factors such as public opinion, economic conditions, and societal values can also have an important role in shaping these issues. It is important to recognize the many different actors involved in these complex matters.

Question 13

Alliances in a bipolar international system tend to be
A) long-term,based on relatively permanent interests.
B) seldom established,given the overarching stability of the system.
C) specific in nature and short in duration.
D) constantly shifting according to military advantage.

Accepted Answer

In a bipolar international system, where there are two dominant powers, alliances tend to be long-term and based on relatively permanent interests. This is because smaller states tend to align themselves with one of the two major powers for security and protection against the other power. These smaller states often have long-term strategic interests and seek to maintain stable alliances with their chosen major power.

Question 14

Which of the following is a norm of the balance-of-power (multipolar)system?
A) Alliances are formed for a specific purpose and a short duration and shift according to advantage.
B) Alliances should be fixed.
C) States should align together based on their economic system.
D) Some states are ruled out as potential allies.

Accepted Answer

In a multipolar system, alliances are formed based on the shifting power balance and for specific purposes. These alliances are not fixed and can change as per the changing advantage. Option B is incorrect because fixed alliances are not a norm of the multipolar system. Option C is incorrect because economic alignment is not a consideration for alliances in the multipolar system. Option D is incorrect because in a multipolar system, all states are potential allies depending on the power balance and strategic advantage.

Question 15

To what does the term "polarity" of the international system refer?
A) the hierarchy of issues in the international system
B) the gravitational pull of the core states
C) the distribution of capabilities among states in the international system
D) differences between economic and military interests in the international system

Accepted Answer

Polarity refers to the distribution of capabilities among states in the international system. It describes how power is distributed between states and whether there is a balance of power or hegemonic power. A unipolar system has one dominant power, a bipolar system has two roughly equal dominant powers, and a multipolar system has multiple relatively equal powers.

Question 16

Bipolar systems can be "balance of power" systems,but multipolar systems cannot.

Accepted Answer

Multipolar systems can also be "balance of power" systems, where multiple smaller powers can balance against one another to prevent a dominant power from emerging.

Question 17

What are the three main levels of analysis in the study of international relations?
A) individual,state,system
B) individual,NGOs,state
C) NGOs,state,system
D) individual,NGOs,system

Accepted Answer

The three main levels of analysis in the study of international relations are individual, state, and system. The individual level involves analyzing the role of individuals such as leaders, diplomats, and citizens in shaping international relations. The state level focuses on how national interests and policies impact international relations. The system level deals with the broader international system and how factors like globalization, international organizations, and power balances affect international relations.

Question 18

Hegemonic stability theorists argue that stability in the international system is most likely when
A) the most powerful state works to lessen its material power and distribute it more evenly among states in the system.
B) the most powerful state practices a policy of isolationism.
C) the most powerful state is willing to refrain from wielding its military and economic power against other states.
D) the most powerful state uses its power to enforce norms to ensure the continuation of the system.

Accepted Answer

Hegemonic stability theorists argue that stability in the international system is most likely when the most powerful state uses its power to enforce norms to ensure the continuation of the system. The dominant state can provide public goods, enforce rules, and resolve disputes, creating a stable and predictable environment for other states to operate in. This helps to limit conflicts and increase cooperation among states in the system.

Question 19

For realists,the basic ordering principle of the international system is
A) anarchy.
B) interdependence.
C) cooperation.
D) international society.

Accepted Answer

Realism is a theory that emphasizes state-centric behavior and the pursuit of self-interest in the international system. According to realists, the international system is characterized by anarchy - the absence of a global government or authority - which means that states must rely on their own resources and capabilities to survive and succeed. Anarchy creates a self-help system, where each state seeks to maximize its power and security relative to others, leading to a competitive, conflictual, and unpredictable environment. Therefore, the basic ordering principle of the international system for realists is anarchy.

Question 20

The personal characteristics of leaders can influence certain foreign policy decisions,but are not important in explaining war.

Accepted Answer

Personal characteristics of leaders, such as their ideology, personality, and beliefs, can play a role in shaping foreign policy decisions, including decisions about war. Studies have found that leaders who possess certain characteristics, such as being risk-tolerant or having strong beliefs in their own superiority, are more likely to engage in war. Therefore, personal characteristics can be an important factor in explaining war.

Quiz 4: Levels of Analysis

Mass publics can sometimes affect international relations regardless of what elites do.

In bipolar systems,alliances are long-term relationships based on interests,whereas in multipolar balance-of-power systems,alliances are short-term relationships formed for a specific purpose.

Constructivists see state power stemming from ideas and language,but do not see it stemming from natural and tangible sources.

Like realists,neoliberal institutionalists and some constructivists such as Alexander Wendt see the international system as anarchic.

For realists,a key feature of the international system is that

Many liberals see the international system as a(n) rather than a(n) ,a view that sets them apart from realists.

According to constructivists,norms cannot be changed through processes of coercion.

While geography,population,and natural resources are important sources of state power,they are not the only ones.Intangible factors such as a positive national image and good leadership can increase state power as well.

Neorealist scholars argue that bipolar international systems are

Conceptualizing international relations as a "system" suggests that

Realists believe that soft power is likely to be more effective than hard power.

Only individuals who hold leadership positions can have a significant influence on war,peace,and international policies.

Alliances in a bipolar international system tend to be

Which of the following is a norm of the balance-of-power (multipolar) system?

To what does the term "polarity" of the international system refer?

Bipolar systems can be "balance of power" systems,but multipolar systems cannot.

What are the three main levels of analysis in the study of international relations?

Hegemonic stability theorists argue that stability in the international system is most likely when

For realists,the basic ordering principle of the international system is

The personal characteristics of leaders can influence certain foreign policy decisions,but are not important in explaining war.

Quiz 4: Levels of Analysis

Mass publics can sometimes affect international relations regardless of what elites do.

In bipolar systems,alliances are long-term relationships based on interests,whereas in multipolar balance-of-power systems,alliances are short-term relationships formed for a specific purpose.

Constructivists see state power stemming from ideas and language,but do not see it stemming from natural and tangible sources.

Like realists,neoliberal institutionalists and some constructivists such as Alexander Wendt see the international system as anarchic.

For realists,a key feature of the international system is that

Many liberals see the international system as a(n) ________ rather than a(n) ________,a view that sets them apart from realists.

According to constructivists,norms cannot be changed through processes of coercion.

While geography,population,and natural resources are important sources of state power,they are not the only ones.Intangible factors such as a positive national image and good leadership can increase state power as well.

Neorealist scholars argue that bipolar international systems are

Conceptualizing international relations as a "system" suggests that

Realists believe that soft power is likely to be more effective than hard power.

Only individuals who hold leadership positions can have a significant influence on war,peace,and international policies.

Alliances in a bipolar international system tend to be

Which of the following is a norm of the balance-of-power (multipolar) system?

To what does the term "polarity" of the international system refer?

Bipolar systems can be "balance of power" systems,but multipolar systems cannot.

What are the three main levels of analysis in the study of international relations?

Hegemonic stability theorists argue that stability in the international system is most likely when

For realists,the basic ordering principle of the international system is

The personal characteristics of leaders can influence certain foreign policy decisions,but are not important in explaining war.

Many liberals see the international system as a(n) rather than a(n) ,a view that sets them apart from realists.