Question 1

Which perspective would argue that the socialization of Germany that has taken place in the European Union has made war in Europe less likely?
A) realism
B) liberalism
C) dependency theory
D) constructivism

Accepted Answer

Constructivism argues that the socialization of states within international institutions can lead to changes in their identities, interests, and behaviors, making war less likely by fostering a sense of community and shared norms, as seen in the case of Germany within the European Union.

Question 2

Which of the following is a principle of jus in bello?
A) the idea that self-defense is a legitimate reason for using force against another state
B) the idea that noncombatants can be treated as targets when they are aiding combatants
C) the idea that the UN Security Council is the only international authority that can legitimate the use of force
D) the idea that the means of violence used must be proportionate to the ends to be achieved

Accepted Answer

The principle of proportionality in jus in bello requires that the means of violence used in conflict must be proportionate to the ends being sought, meaning that excessive force against a legitimate target or the use of force that will result in disproportionate civilian casualties is not permissible. A) refers to jus ad bellum, or the justification for going to war. B) violates the principle of distinction which requires combatants to distinguish between military targets and noncombatants. C) is not a principle of jus in bello but rather a principle of jus ad bellum regarding the legitimacy of the use of force by states.

Question 3

Which of the following is true of debates about cyberwarfare and jus in bello?
A) Some theorists argue that cyberattacks inevitably violate the principle of noncombatant immunity because they have strong psychological effects.
B) Theorists agree that cyberattacks are attacks that best conform to just war theory because the proportionality of their effects can be easily controlled.
C) Theorists agree that cyberattacks trigger the right of self-defense using conventional weapons.
D) Theorists agree that using cyberattacks can lessen noncombatant casualties in war.

Accepted Answer

Some theorists argue that cyberattacks can have strong psychological effects, such as inducing panic or anxiety, and thus violate the principle of noncombatant immunity. This is because these effects are not limited to combatants but also affect innocent civilians who may be caught in the crossfire.

Question 4

What is the key difference between the liberal theory of collective security and the realist idea of deterrence?
A) In liberal theory,states are more likely to calculate their interests collectively as shared interests rather than individually.
B) Collective security requires a balance of power,while realist ideas of deterrence do not.
C) The realist idea of deterrence requires the existence of a hegemon,while liberal ideas of collective security do not.
D) There are no similarities at all between the liberal theory of collective security and the realist idea of deterrence.

Accepted Answer

The key difference between the liberal theory of collective security and realist idea of deterrence is that the former emphasizes the importance of collective action and shared interests, whereas the latter focuses on individual state interests and the threat of punishment to deter aggression. Liberal theory assumes that collective security can be achieved through cooperation and collective response to aggression, whereas realist theory assumes that deterrence can be achieved through the threat of punishment, coercion, and force. Therefore, option A correctly identifies the key difference between the two theories. Options B and C are inaccurate, as both collective security and deterrence require a balance of power and the existence of a hegemon to be effective. Option D is incorrect, as there are similarities and differences between the two theories.

Question 5

"Fewer weapons means greater security" is the logic behind
A) deterrence.
B) balance of power.
C) arms control.
D) collective security.

Accepted Answer

Arms control is the practice of limiting the number of weapons that countries possess. The logic behind it is that the fewer weapons that countries have, the greater security there is because it reduces the risk of accidental or intentional use of weapons. Deterrence, balance of power, and collective security are all different concepts that do not specifically focus on reducing the number of weapons.

Question 6

The use of nuclear weapons violates just war theory because
A) not all states have the technology to use nuclear weapons.
B) nuclear weapons do not discriminate combatants from noncombatants.
C) their use is not considered an act of self-defense.
D) The use of nuclear weapons does not violate just war theory.

Accepted Answer

According to just war theory, the use of force should distinguish between combatants and noncombatants, and nuclear weapons are indiscriminate in their destruction. This violates the principle of discrimination, which is a core tenet of just war theory.

Question 7

Deterrence is
A) the antithesis of balance-of-power theory.
B) a constructivist idea for how to manage insecurity.
C) the mechanism that enables the balance of power to bring about peace.
D) a liberal idea for how to manage insecurity.

Accepted Answer

Deterrence is the mechanism that enables the balance of power to bring about peace. It is based on the idea that if one state possesses a significant military capability, it will deter other states from attacking it, thereby maintaining the balance of power and reducing the likelihood of conflict. Deterrence theory is often associated with realist and neorealist approaches to international relations.

Question 8

According to the UN Charter,when may a state legally use force against another state?
A) only when acting in self-defense
B) only when authorized by the UN Security Council
C) only when acting in self-defense or when authorized by the UN Security Council
D) The UN Charter does not consider the use of force against another state legal under any circumstances.

Accepted Answer

According to Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations." However, Article 51 of the Charter allows states to use force in self-defense when an armed attack occurs, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. Additionally, the Security Council can authorize the use of force by a state or a coalition of states to maintain or restore international peace and security, as outlined in Chapter VII of the Charter. Thus, the correct choice is C, which states that a state may legally use force against another state only when acting in self-defense or when authorized by the UN Security Council.

Question 9

When states seek to prevent war by threatening the use of force,they are practicing
A) deterrence.
B) compellence.
C) asymmetric warfare.
D) collective security.

Accepted Answer

Deterrence is the use of threats or military power to prevent other states from taking hostile actions. It involves the credible threat to use force to deter an adversary from taking action, rather than actually using force. This strategy is often employed by strong states to prevent weaker states from taking aggressive actions. Compellence, on the other hand, involves the use of force to coerce an adversary to take a particular action. Asymmetric warfare refers to the use of unconventional tactics by weaker actors to combat stronger adversaries. Collective security involves the cooperation of multiple states to deter or respond to acts of aggression.

Question 10

Which of the following is among the fundamental assumptions of collective security?
A) It is not always clear who the aggressor is.
B) Only powerful states can respond to aggressors.
C) Threat of military action cannot stop wars.
D) Aggressors are morally wrong and should be stopped.

Accepted Answer

One of the fundamental assumptions of collective security is that aggressors are morally wrong and should be stopped. This is the foundation of the concept of collective security, which holds that states should work together to protect each other against aggression from other states. The other choices are not among the fundamental assumptions of collective security.

Question 11

The role that the International Campaign to Ban Landmines played in shifting perceptions about the legitimacy of the use of landmines,which led to a treaty banning their use,would be highlighted by theorists from which perspective?
A) realism
B) liberalism
C) constructivism
D) collective security

Accepted Answer

Constructivists focus on the role of norms and ideas in shaping international behavior and outcomes. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines had a significant impact on changing global norms and attitudes towards landmines, ultimately leading to the creation of the Mine Ban Treaty. This aligns with the constructivist perspective on the importance of ideational factors in shaping international relations.

Question 12

________ theory argues that states seeking power,including economic power,will be led by self-interest into deeper and broader cooperation with other states,even if punctuated by periods of war.
A) Realist
B) Liberal
C) Deterrence
D) Balance-of-power

Accepted Answer

The theory described in the question is known as Liberalism, which argues that states will cooperate with each other for their own self-interest, including economic power. This cooperation may be interrupted by periods of war but will ultimately lead to deeper and broader cooperation. Realism argues that states are primarily driven by their own self-interest and security, and that cooperation is limited. Deterrence and balance-of-power are strategies used by states to maintain stability and prevent conflict, but they are not theories about state behavior.

Question 13

The requirement that there must be just cause for entering into a war is an example of
A) jus in bello.
B) jus ad bellum.
C) deterrence.
D) compellence.

Accepted Answer

The requirement that there must be just cause for entering into a war is a part of jus ad bellum, which governs the conditions under which it is justifiable to engage in war. Jus in bello, on the other hand, regulates the conduct of warfare once it has begun. Deterrence and compellence are related concepts but are not directly relevant to the question of whether a particular war is justified.

Question 14

The 1949 Geneva Conventions
A) are designed to outlaw the use of nuclear weapons.
B) state that guerilla warfare is not just.
C) are designed to protect prisoners of war,among others,in times of war.
D) do not include clauses that ban the use of certain types of weapons.

Accepted Answer

The 1949 Geneva Conventions are a set of international agreements that are designed to protect individuals who are not actively participating in conflict, including prisoners of war. While the Conventions do not explicitly outlaw the use of certain types of weapons, they do place limits on the methods of warfare that may be used in order to reduce harm to civilians and non-combatants. The other options (A and B) are not accurate descriptions of the Conventions.

Question 15

Constructivists would argue that the fact that the United States approached the UN Security Council to seek approval for its use of force against Iraq in 2003 demonstrates
A) the existence of a norm of legitimacy regarding a state's use of force.
B) the power of deterrence.
C) the power of collective security.
D) the importance of international institutions.

Accepted Answer

Constructivists emphasize the role of norms and ideas in international relations, and argue that the norm of legitimacy regarding a state's use of force has developed over time. The fact that the US felt the need to seek approval from the UN Security Council reflects a recognition of the importance of this norm, and suggests that it can influence state behavior.

Answer: D 
 Constructivists also stress the importance of international institutions in shaping state behavior and promoting cooperation. The fact that the US sought approval from the UN Security Council demonstrates a belief in the legitimacy and importance of this institution, and a willingness to engage with it in its decision-making process.

Question 16

Which of the following is true of deterrence theory?
A) For deterrence to work,states must avoid forming alliances.
B) For deterrence to work,states must present a credible threat of retaliation if attacked.
C) For deterrence to work,states must keep information about their own gains in military power hidden.
D) For deterrence to work,state leaders must be willing to make irrational decisions.

Accepted Answer

Deterrence theory suggests that states can be deterred from attacking one another if the potential victim convinces the potential aggressor that the cost of attack would outweigh any benefits. This requires the victim state to present a credible threat of retaliation if attacked. Options A and C are not related to the principles of deterrence theory, and option D contradicts the logical principles of rational decision-making in international relations.

Question 17

"One for all and all for one" effectively captures the idea behind
A) disarmament.
B) compellence.
C) balance of power.
D) collective security.

Accepted Answer

"One for all and all for one" is a famous phrase associated with the concept of collective security, which emphasizes the idea that countries should work together to protect each other from external threats. This approach prioritizes cooperation and mutual support over individual interests, which is why it is often compared to the famous motto of the Three Musketeers. Disarmament, compellence, and balance of power are all related concepts, but they do not capture the essence of the collective security concept as well as option D.

Question 18

Which of the following types of attacks would the "instrument-based" approach to cyberattacks argue can initiate the right of self-defense?
A) only attacks using military weapons,such as bombing computer servers or cables
B) any cyberattack in which a national infrastructure system is penetrated
C) any cyberattack targeting civilians or government systems
D) none of the above

Accepted Answer

The "instrument-based" approach argues that only attacks using military weapons, such as bombing computer servers or cables, can initiate the right of self-defense. This approach does not consider other types of cyberattacks targeting infrastructure or civilians as justifying self-defense actions.

Question 19

Cyberwarfare has led to debates about when using force in retaliation against a cyberattack is allowed under international law because
A) cyberattacks are more dangerous than attacks with conventional weapons.
B) cyberattacks do not target national infrastructures,and so retaliation is not justified.
C) powerful states are not vulnerable to cyberattacks,so retaliation is not justified.
D) the UN Charter only authorizes actions in self-defense if an "armed attack" has occurred.

Accepted Answer

The UN Charter only allows for the use of force in self-defense if an "armed attack" has occurred. Since cyberattacks may not involve the use of conventional weapons, the question arises as to whether they could be considered an armed attack under international law. This has led to debates on the use of force in retaliation against cyberattacks.

Question 20

In 2003,the United States argued that its use of force in Iraq was justified because Iraq was pursuing weapons of mass destruction that it could use against the United States in the future.This argument is based on
A) preemptive self-defense.
B) jus in bello.
C) the Hague Conventions.
D) the Geneva Conventions.

Accepted Answer

The argument made by the United States in 2003 is consistent with the concept of preemptive self-defense, which allows a state to use force against an imminent threat before an attack occurs. The justification was that Iraq was pursuing weapons of mass destruction that could pose a threat to the United States in the future, and thus a preemptive strike was necessary to protect national security.

Quiz 6: War and Security

Which perspective would argue that the socialization of Germany that has taken place in the European Union has made war in Europe less likely?

Which of the following is a principle of jus in bello?

Which of the following is true of debates about cyberwarfare and jus in bello?

What is the key difference between the liberal theory of collective security and the realist idea of deterrence?

"Fewer weapons means greater security" is the logic behind

The use of nuclear weapons violates just war theory because

Deterrence is

According to the UN Charter,when may a state legally use force against another state?

When states seek to prevent war by threatening the use of force,they are practicing

Which of the following is among the fundamental assumptions of collective security?

The role that the International Campaign to Ban Landmines played in shifting perceptions about the legitimacy of the use of landmines,which led to a treaty banning their use,would be highlighted by theorists from which perspective?

________ theory argues that states seeking power,including economic power,will be led by self-interest into deeper and broader cooperation with other states,even if punctuated by periods of war.

The requirement that there must be just cause for entering into a war is an example of

The 1949 Geneva Conventions

Constructivists would argue that the fact that the United States approached the UN Security Council to seek approval for its use of force against Iraq in 2003 demonstrates

Which of the following is true of deterrence theory?

"One for all and all for one" effectively captures the idea behind

Which of the following types of attacks would the "instrument-based" approach to cyberattacks argue can initiate the right of self-defense?

Cyberwarfare has led to debates about when using force in retaliation against a cyberattack is allowed under international law because

In 2003,the United States argued that its use of force in Iraq was justified because Iraq was pursuing weapons of mass destruction that it could use against the United States in the future.This argument is based on