Preview Extract
Chapter 2: Realist Theories
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Modern realist theory developed in reaction to __________.
A) the Cold War
B) idealism
C) Marxism
D) constructivism
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.1 Identify at least three assumptions of the theory of realism.
Topic: Realism
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
2. Thomas Hobbes belongs to the __________ school of thought.
A) Marxist
B) neoconservative
C) realist
D) objectivist
Answer: C
Learning Objective: 2.1 Identify at least three assumptions of the theory of realism.
Topic: Realism
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
3. The most important feature of international relations according to a realist is __________.
A) international law
B) power
C) absolute gains
D) morality
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.1 Identify at least three assumptions of the theory of realism.
Topic: Realism
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
4. According to the text, the best single indicator of a stateโs power may be the size of its
__________.
A) army
B) air force
C) population
D) total GDP
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Answer: D
Learning Objective: 2.2 Describe two different ways to conceptualize and measure power.
Topic: Power
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
5. The ability to get another actor to do what it would not otherwise have done, or not to do what
it would have done, is the definition of __________.
A) power
B) anarchy
C) rationality
D) realism
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.2 Describe two different ways to conceptualize and measure power.
Topic: Power
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
6. With respect to power, __________.
A) it is not difficult to measure the power of another state accurately
B) the relative power of a state is more important to realists than the absolute power of a state
C) more powerful states will always defeat weaker states in a war
D) if a stateโs own values become widely shared among other states, it is harder to exercise
power over them
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.2 Describe two different ways to conceptualize and measure power.
Topic: Power
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
7. Which factor is a long-term power resource?
A) preparedness of a stateโs military forces
B) loyalty of a stateโs politicians to their leader
C) quality of a stateโs bureaucracy
D) credibility of a stateโs commitments
Answer: D
Learning Objective: 2.2 Describe two different ways to conceptualize and measure power.
Topic: Power
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
8. A short-term element of power includes the __________.
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A) reputation of a state for keeping its word
B) ability of a state to shape other statesโ perceptions
C) capacity of a state to produce weapons quickly
D) strength of a stateโs scientific and technological base
Answer: C
Learning Objective: 2.2 Describe two different ways to conceptualize and measure power.
Topic: Power
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
9. In 2011, Libyan revolutionaries fought dictator Muammar Gaddafi, eventually receiving
support from NATO and the United States, leading to a rebel victory. This exemplifies the
altering of which of the following?
A) state equality
B) asymmetric warfare
C) global influence
D) power estimation
Answer: D
Learning Objective: 2.2 Describe two different ways to conceptualize and measure power.
Topic: Power
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
10. __________ is/are an element of power on which an actor can draw over the long term,
whereas __________ is an element of power that allows an actor to exercise influence in the
short term.
A) Economic capacity; geography
B) Technology; reputation
C) Natural resources; military force
D) Government; population
Answer: C
Learning Objective: 2.2 Describe two different ways to conceptualize and measure power.
Topic: Power
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
11. Which of the following is a less tangible long-term element of power?
A) national borders
B) education of the population
C) public support for government policies
D) mobility of the stateโs military
Answer: B
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Learning Objective: 2.2 Describe two different ways to conceptualize and measure power.
Topic: Power
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
12. In 2013, General Jim Mattis argued that โIf you donโt fund the state department fully, then I
need to buy more ammunition ultimately.โ This argument emphasizes the importance of
__________.
A) military force
B) economic strength
C) conventional weapons
D) diplomacy
Answer: D
Learning Objective: 2.2 Describe two different ways to conceptualize and measure power.
Topic: Power
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
13. A new __________ trend within the last decade culminated in the election of Donald Trump
as president of the United States.
A) hegemonic
B) isolationist
C) internationalist
D) realist
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
14. Which of the following has probably been a less important factor contributing to the trend of
increasing isolationism in the United States?
A) terrorist attacks of September 2001
B) unpopularity of the Iraq War within the American public
C) protracted involvement of the United States in Afghanistan
D) worsening economic conditions in the United States since 2007
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
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15. Anarchy in the international system refers to __________.
A) complete chaos in which every actor is on its own
B) the absence of structure and rules influencing state behavior
C) the presence of disruptive states triggering interstate conflicts
D) the absence of a central government that can enforce rules
Answer: D
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
16. The theory that focuses on the importance of the structure of the international system, rather
than on the internal makeup of individual states, is known as __________.
A) neoliberal institutionalism
B) the English school
C) constructivism
D) neorealism
Answer: D
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
17. The idea that the largest wars will result from challenges to the top position in the status
hierarchy is referred to as the __________.
A) security dilemma
B) power transition theory
C) hegemonic stability theory
D) strategy of deterrence
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
18. Which of the following is least likely to be persuasively explained by the hegemonic stability
theory?
A) outbreak of World War I
B) Great Depression of the 1930s
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C) outbreak of World War II
D) relative stability between the two superpowers during the Cold War
Answer: D
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
19. __________ are those who favor U.S. leadership and activism in world affairs.
A) Moralists
B) Internationalists
C) Realists
D) Unilateralists
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
20. Working through international institutions to achieve foreign policy goals is the preference of
__________.
A) isolationists
B) unilateralists
C) multilateralists
D) realists
Answer: C
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
21. Which treaty is commonly thought of as the start of the modern international system?
A) Treaty of Versailles
B) Treaty of Paris
C) Treaty of Rome
D) Treaty of Westphalia
Answer: D
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
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Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
22. Realists believe that __________.
A) states are the least important actors in international relations
B) states act in an international system characterized by anarchy
C) absolute gains are more important than relative gains
D) humans, by their very nature, are altruistic
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
23. A security dilemma occurs when __________.
A) budget constraints do not allow for proper domestic security measures
B) the actions taken by a state to ensure its own security threaten the security of other states
C) governments are unable to decide on a comprehensive security strategy
D) a state does not want to cooperate with another state but it is obliged to do so
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
24. The general idea that one or more statesโ power is being used to counter that of another state
or group of states is called __________.
A) bandwagoning
B) balance of power
C) dominance
D) containment
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
25. How is a middle power distinguished from a great power?
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A) Middle powers can be large geographically but not highly industrialized, whereas great
powers have the worldโs strongest economies to pay for military forces and other power
capabilities.
B) Middle powers can be small geographically but not highly industrialized, whereas great
powers cannot be small geographically.
C) Middle powers operate in a balance-of-power system, whereas great powers operate in a
hegemonic system.
D) Middle powers do not have nuclear weapons, whereas great powers possess large nuclear
arsenals.
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
26. According to international relations research, a __________ power distribution appears to be
best at maintaining peace.
A) unipolar
B) bipolar
C) tripolar
D) multipolar
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
27. The principle of sovereignty suggests that states should not meddle in the __________ and
decision processes of other states.
A) alliances
B) maritime regimes
C) internal affairs
D) altruistic tendencies
Answer: C
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
28. A recent example of the principle of state sovereignty is __________.
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A) rebel strikes in Somalia
B) Iraqโs invasion of Kuwait
C) North Koreaโs violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty
D) Chinaโs withdrawal from the international system
Answer: C
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
29. Based on the logic of the balance of power, which of the following is a good example of an
alliance that can be said to be currently balancing the United States?
A) North Atlantic Treaty Organization
B) European Union
C) North American Free Trade Agreement
D) United Nations
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
30. Which of the following statements is correct about the views of the United States in the
world between 2002 and 2017?
A) The decline in global opinion of the United States was not correlated with the Bush
administration.
B) The U.S. war on terror led to an increase in favorability ratings among virtually all countries
surveyed.
C) Global public opinion of the United States varies widely based on region.
D) Favorability ratings of the United States continued to increase throughout the Obama
administration.
Answer: C
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Analyze It
31. The current constellation of power in the international system could best be described as a
__________ system.
A) unipolar
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B) bipolar
C) tripolar
D) multipolar
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
32. According to power transition theorists, who argue that the most dangerous time for major
war is when power is relatively equally distributed, a war between __________ and __________
would be an example of this dynamic in action.
A) China; the United States
B) Bosnia; Serbia
C) Russia; the Ukraine
D) Mexico; the United States
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
33. Which of the following arguments might a realist make to explain why states engage in
balancing behavior?
A) States do not trust each other due to the anarchic nature of the international system.
B) States believe that a balance of power provides perpetual peace.
C) States are trying to maintain instability in the international system.
D) States believe that a balance of power ensures interstate cooperation.
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Analyze It
34. Realists believe that hegemony __________.
A) causes instability in the international system
B) reduces anarchy and deters aggression in the international system
C) enhances the sovereignty of less-powerful states
D) tends to allow conflicts among middle powers or small states
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Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
35. Which of the following factors best explains the choice of the United States to be either
isolationist or internationalist in its foreign policy in the twentieth century?
A) regional economic considerations
B) international hegemony considerations
C) American security concerns
D) international law and organizations
Answer: C
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Analyze It
36. Which of the following factors best explains why the United States is ambiguous about the
use of multilateralism in its foreign policy?
A) Americaโs superpower status
B) the cost of dues to multilateral organizations such as the UN
C) skepticism about the abilities and goals of national organizations
D) lack of the ability to disband international organizations
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Analyze It
37. How does the great power system of the twentieth century compare with that of the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries?
A) The great power system in the twentieth century was global, whereas the great power system
in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was European.
B) The United States dominated the great power system of the twentieth century, whereas France
dominated the great power system of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
C) The Concert of Europe was a feature of the great power system of the twentieth century,
whereas the great power system of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries saw constant conflict
in Europe.
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D) World Wars I and II were major conflicts in the great power system of the twentieth century,
whereas the great power system of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries saw no major
conflicts as Britain served as an effective balancer.
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Analyze It
38. The fluidity of alliances is underscored by __________.
A) liberals
B) anarchists
C) realists
D) idealists
Answer: C
Learning Objective: 2.4 Explain the purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
alliance and how the purpose has changed over the history of the alliance.
Topic: Alliances
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
39. After the Cold War ended, NATO forces were __________.
A) cut
B) expanded
C) kept stable
D) attacked
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.4 Explain the purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
alliance and how the purpose has changed over the history of the alliance.
Topic: Alliances
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
40. At the turn of the twenty-first century, the Organisation of African Unity re-formed as the
__________, a stronger organization with a continent-wide parliament, central bank, and court.
A) African Community
B) African Union
C) Organization of African States
D) Africans United
Answer: B
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Learning Objective: 2.4 Explain the purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
alliance and how the purpose has changed over the history of the alliance.
Topic: Alliances
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
41. Most modern alliances __________.
A) are formalized in written treaties
B) concern economic issues
C) exist for one issue at one time
D) are frequently broken without consequences
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.4 Explain the purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
alliance and how the purpose has changed over the history of the alliance.
Topic: Alliances
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
42. Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty calls for NATO members to come to the defense of a
fellow member under attack. It was invoked for the first time when __________.
A) the Soviet Union and East Germany constructed the Berlin Wall
B) Ethiopia attacked Somalia
C) Serbs attacked Bosnia in 1994
D) the United States came under terrorist attack in 2001
Answer: D
Learning Objective: 2.4 Explain the purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
alliance and how the purpose has changed over the history of the alliance.
Topic: Alliances
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
43. Which type of state is most likely to face a danger of being dragged into wars over relatively
unimportant issues as a result of extended deterrence in an alliance?
A) great powers
B) middle powers
C) small powers
D) client states
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.4 Explain the purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
alliance and how the purpose has changed over the history of the alliance.
Topic: Alliances
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Analyze It
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44. Which of the following is a concern connected to the recent expansion of NATO
membership?
A) Consensus in decision making is becoming less difficult.
B) Enlargement may be seen by others as a threat.
C) Coordination and cooperation will become less difficult.
D) The costs of the organization will be larger for each individual member.
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.4 Explain the purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
alliance and how the purpose has changed over the history of the alliance.
Topic: Alliances
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Analyze It
45. In response to NATO expansion, one could expect Russia to __________.
A) reduce the number of joint military exercises with states such as China
B) try to annex one of the most recent members of NATO such as Montenegro
C) overthrow the Syrian government and consolidate its own rule in the region
D) increase its military cooperation with states such as Venezuela
Answer: D
Learning Objective: 2.4 Explain the purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
alliance and how the purpose has changed over the history of the alliance.
Topic: Alliances
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
46. Plans actors use to develop and deploy capabilities to achieve their goals are known as
__________.
A) foreign policy decisions
B) power strategies
C) bargaining decisions
D) negotiating decisions
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.5 Describe the Prisonerโs Dilemma game, and explain how it is an analogy
for the international system.
Topic: Strategy
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
47. Which theory best describes Chinaโs policy toward Taiwan?
A) liberalism
B) idealism
C) realism
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D) Marxism
Answer: C
Learning Objective: 2.5 Describe the Prisonerโs Dilemma game, and explain how it is an analogy
for the international system.
Topic: Strategy
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
48. One implication of the assumption of rationality is that __________.
A) states are unitary actors that can think about their actions coherently and make choices
B) while a state can identify its interests, putting priorities on them is nearly impossible
C) states are very rarely capable of performing a cost-benefit analysis on actions
D) statesโ decisions always have beneficial consequences
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.5 Describe the Prisonerโs Dilemma game, and explain how it is an analogy
for the international system.
Topic: Strategy
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
49. How does a zero-sum game compare with a non-zero-sum game?
A) In a zero-sum game, one playerโs gain is by definition equal to the otherโs loss, whereas in a
non-zero-sum game, playersโ gains and losses cancel each other out.
B) In a zero-sum game, one playerโs gain is by definition equal to the otherโs loss, whereas in a
non-zero-sum game, it is possible for both players to gain or lose.
C) In a zero-sum game, both players win, whereas in a non-zero-sum game, both players lose.
D) Zero-sum games are more typical in international political economy, whereas non-zero-sum
games are more typical in international security.
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.5 Describe the Prisonerโs Dilemma game, and explain how it is an analogy
for the international system.
Topic: Strategy
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
50. The typical outcome in the Prisonerโs Dilemma is that __________.
A) neither prisoner confesses, thereby ensuring the best outcome for both
B) both prisoners confess, thereby ensuring the best outcome for both
C) one prisoner decides not to confess, believing he can do so later
D) both prisoners confess, thereby ensuring each is worse off than if they both did not confess
Answer: D
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Learning Objective: 2.5 Describe the Prisonerโs Dilemma game, and explain how it is an analogy
for the international system.
Topic: Strategy
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
51. Some liberalists have argued that introducing communication to the Prisonerโs Dilemma in
the form of a lawyer who can relay messages between both prisoners could change the payoff
matrix in favor of cooperation. Applied to international relations, who or what could play the
role of the โlawyerโ?
A) a local neighborhood organization
B) a superpower such as the United States
C) a regional organization such as the South Asian Association
D) an individual such as a military officer
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.5 Describe the Prisonerโs Dilemma game, and explain how it is an analogy
for the international system.
Topic: Strategy
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
52. India faces which of the following concerns with its neighbor China?
A) Both claim the region of Kashmir as part of their national territory.
B) China is blamed for Islamic militant attacks in India.
C) China is a major rival in the region attempting to exert strong leadership in the region.
D) India relies on Chinese pipelines to ship oil and gas into East Asia.
Answer: C
Learning Objective: 2.5 Describe the Prisonerโs Dilemma game, and explain how it is an analogy
for the international system.
Topic: Strategy
Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Remember the Facts
53. __________ refers to a reciprocal process in which two (or more) states build up military
capabilities in response to each other.
A) Compellence
B) Deterrence
C) An arms race
D) Escalation
Answer: C
Learning Objective: 2.5 Describe the Prisonerโs Dilemma game, and explain how it is an analogy
for the international system.
Topic: Strategy
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Difficulty Level: Easy
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
54. Which of the following statements is true about rationality?
A) Decision makers often lack information necessary to accurately estimate the costs of an
action.
B) It is relatively easy to determine the national interest, because all states are interested in
power.
C) All international relations scholars accept the assumption that states are rational actors.
D) It is easy to calculate intangible political benefits against the tangible costs of a war.
Answer: A
Learning Objective: 2.5 Describe the Prisonerโs Dilemma game, and explain how it is an analogy
for the international system.
Topic: Strategy
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skill Level: Analyze It
55. In an effort to gain influence in the world, it would be feasible to expect Taiwan to
__________.
A) unilaterally declare independence and seek support from the United Nations
B) grant conditional foreign aid to several small and poor countries in the world
C) create an alliance with Russia and ask for admission to various international organizations
D) withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty and begin enriching uranium
Answer: B
Learning Objective: 2.5 Describe the Prisonerโs Dilemma game, and explain how it is an analogy
for the international system.
Topic: Strategy
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
ESSAY
56. Realism is a theory of international relations with long and widespread intellectual roots.
While underlying assumptions have remained essentially the same, scholars and practitioners
have refined the principles and rules of behavior for centuries. Trace this development,
specifying who the primary contributors to realism have been and what the particular
contribution of each has been.
Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Outline what realist theory is.
2. Compare and contrast those foundational principles of realism as they have changed or
fallen out of favor over time, in the context of those that have remained constant. Such principles
may relate to power, human nature, international order, and potential for peace.
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3. Cite examples such as World War I and the Vietnam War from the text to illustrate the
development of realism in international relations.
4. Outline the primary contributors to realism, such as Sun Tzu, Thomas Hobbes, Niccolรฒ
Machiavelli, Hans Morgenthau, etc., and their particular contributions.
5. Perhaps conclude with an evaluation of the value of the contribution of each figure.
Learning Objective: 2.1 Identify at least three assumptions of the theory of realism.
Topic: Realism
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
57. In 2011, Libyan revolutionaries initially struggled to overthrow authoritarian leader
Muammar Gaddafi until these rebels received military support from the United States and
NATO. How might โsoft powerโ and โhard powerโ have been utilized alternatively in the
revolutionariesโ struggle against the Libyan regime? How might each of these two types of
power be said to have contributed to the success in defeating that regime?
Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Describe the aspects of โsoftโ and โhardโ power, and briefly profile the opposing sides
of the Libyan civil war.
2. Explain why the revolutionaries struggled to overthrow Gaddafi and how military
support from the United States and NATO made a critical difference in their struggle.
3. Evaluate the role of diplomacy, strategic communications, foreign assistance, civic
action, and economic reconstruction and development (as soft power) in the Libyan
revolutionariesโ struggle, and the role of military and aggressive economic influence (as hard
power) in that same struggle.
4. Assess how key elements of each type of power might have aided in the defeat of the
Gaddafi regime.
5. Offer a concise summary and effective conclusion.
Learning Objective: 2.2 Describe two different ways to conceptualize and measure power.
Topic: Power
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
58. โThe exercise of power always carries risks of unintended consequences.โ What does this
statement from the text actually mean? Do you agree or disagree with this argument? Be sure to
include relevant examples in your discussion. Then, discuss what factors you think could explain
the unintended consequences of the exercise of power in international relations.
Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Discuss what the argument is referring to. For example, the logic of power suggests
that in a war, the more powerful state will generally prevail. Thus, estimates of the relative
power of the two antagonists should help explain outcomes.
2. Explain whether you agree with the argument and cite examples. For instance, students
might cite the Libyan revolutionariesโ fight against dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
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3. Discuss what could explain the unintended consequences of the exercise of power. For
example, a big GDP may help a country win a war, but it does not eliminate the elements of
complexity and luck as situations evolve over the longer term.
4. Offer a concise summary and effective conclusion.
Learning Objective: 2.2 Describe two different ways to conceptualize and measure power.
Topic: Power
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
59. The concept of balance of power is fundamental in international relations. What does it
mean? How meaningful can it be at the beginning of the twenty-first century, given the impact of
globalization and modern warfare in which oneโs opponents may not be attached to any
particular state? Is it possible that it requires redefinition? If so, what should it mean? If not, why
not?
Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Provide a satisfactory explanation of how balance of power is crucial to international
relations, employing the key terms military capabilities and dominance.
2. Explain how the complexities created by globalization and modern warfare impact the
significance of balance of power, noting the fluidity of alliances and policies necessary when
oneโs opponents may not be attached to any particular state, as well as the increasing emphasis
on economic power over military power.
3. Describe the redefinition that such an evolving and evolved role of balance of power
appears to demand, taking into account the details already touched upon, and perhaps those
elements of future international relations that might require this redefinition.
4. If the concept of balance of power does not appear to require redefinition, a vigorous
analysis of why not will be necessary.
5. Provide a concise summary and effective conclusion.
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
60. โThe central theme of international relations is not evil but tragedy. States often share
common interest, but the structure of the situation prevents them from bringing about the
mutually desired situation.โ (Robert Jervis)
The above quote symbolizes an overwhelming problem in international relations today.
What is that problem, and why does it plague international relations in particular? What, if
anything, can be done about it? Justify your response.
Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Explain why Jervis might emphasize the word โtragedy,โ rather than the word โevil.โ
Students might refer to the concept of security dilemma and discuss how anarchy does not allow
long-term cooperation even between two defensive states.
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2. Describe how a more cooperation-based international community creates greater
opportunity for tragedy to be created or allowed to persist.
3. Evaluate how this problem is particularly prominent in international relations, and how
cooperation does not inherently have to equate to slowness of action, or lack of action altogether.
4. Provide a concise summary and effective conclusion.
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
61. When the United States engages in international relations, it may follow a unilateral or a
multilateral approach. To what do the concepts unilateralism and multilateralism refer? Do you
think the United States under the Barack Obama administration could be explained by
unilateralism or multilateralism? Provide one example supporting your argument. How do you
think this has changed under the Donald Trump administration? Justify your rationale by using at
least one relevant example.
Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Define the concepts of unilateralism and multilateralism.
2. Explain in what way the Obama administration employed a multilateral approach
instead of a unilateral one. For instance, during President Obamaโs term in office, the NATO
alliance assumed new importance in Afghanistan and in the 2011 Libya campaign, and UN dues
were repaid.
3. Explain in what way the Trump administration has employed a rather unilateral
approach so far. For instance, during President Trumpโs term in office, the United States has
withdrawn from a global climate treaty, from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and from UNESCO.
4. Provide a concise summary and effective conclusion.
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
62. โThe lack of a โworld policeโ to punish states if they break an agreement makes enforcement
of international agreements difficult.โ What does this statement from the text actually mean?
Focusing on the recent developments in North Koreaโs nuclear weapons policy, discuss whether
you agree with this argument. What do you think the North Korea case implies regarding the
enforcement of norms in international relations?
Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Discuss what the argument is referring to. For example, states seek to preserve their
sovereignty in the international arena, and the anarchical system of international relations makes
it difficult to impose rules on sovereign states.
2. Explain whether you agree with the argument, using North Koreaโs nuclear weapons
policy as an example. Students might cite North Koreaโs violation of the Non-Proliferation
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Treaty (NPT) in the 1990s when it stopped allowing inspections of its nuclear facilities; North
Koreaโs withdrawal from the NPT in 2002 and its building of nuclear bombs, one of which it
exploded in 2006; or North Koreaโs continued work on its nuclear program and missile delivery
systems in the years since, including tests of both in 2016 and 2017.
3. Discuss the implications of North Koreaโs behavior in the international arena. The
examples above show the difficulty of enforcing international norms in the sovereignty-based
international system.
4. Provide a concise summary and effective conclusion.
Learning Objective: 2.3 Define anarchy and explain its importance in preventing international
cooperation.
Topic: The International System
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
63. โThe Arab-Israeli conflict has always been the main point of tension in the Middle East.โ
Explain this statement, and discuss whether you agree or disagree with the argument. In your
discussion, take into account the recent developments in the Middle East. What alternative do
you think could be labeled as the main conflict dynamic in the Middle East? Be sure to include at
least one relevant example in your answer.
Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Explain the statement. Students should note that the Arab-Israeli conflict created a
general anti-Israel alignment of the Arab countries for decades.
2. Discuss whether you agree or disagree with the argument. Students might point out
that the alignment among Arab nations broke down as Egypt in 1978 and then Jordan in 1994
made peace with Israel; Arab countries continue to express varying degrees of solidarity with
each other and opposition to Israel; Israel fought a month-long war with Hezbollah guerrillas in
southern Lebanon in 2006; and Israel fought Hamas militants in Gaza in 2008 and 2012.
3. Provide an alternative source of tension in the Middle East today. For example, the
main conflict dynamic in the Middle East is now the opposition of Shiโite and Sunni countries,
centered on Iran and Saudi Arabia. The civil war in Syria that spread to neighboring Iraq
embodies that split, as does the civil war in Yemen, with Iran and Saudi Arabia fighting a proxy
war using opposing groups.
4. Provide a concise summary and effective conclusion.
Learning Objective: 2.4 Explain the purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
alliance and how the purpose has changed over the history of the alliance.
Topic: Alliances
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
64. Public opinion in the United States toward NATO has varied significantly since the alliance
was formed in 1949. Explain what NATO is, and discuss the general levels of public support for
NATO during the Cold War and in the period since the Cold War ended. How do you think the
increasing criticism of NATO during the Donald Trump administration has influenced
Americansโ view of the organization? What do you think would explain this recent trend in
public opinion?
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Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Define NATO, and explain why it was created.
2. Discuss the level of public support for NATO during the Cold War. Explain that
during most of the Cold War, public support for NATO was strong because it served as a safety
net against the communist threat.
3. Discuss the level of public support for NATO since the Cold War ended. Explain that
since the end of the Cold War, the public has begun to question the value of NATO versus its
cost to the United States, mostly because communism is no longer an existential threat for the
United States.
4. Discuss why most Americans still have a favorable view of NATO despite increasing
criticism of the alliance by the Trump administration. For example, it is possible that growing
discussions about NATO are increasing support for the alliance.
5. Provide a concise summary and effective conclusion.
Learning Objective: 2.4 Explain the purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
alliance and how the purpose has changed over the history of the alliance.
Topic: Alliances
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
65. When might states involve themselves in a game of โChickenโ? Why? Describe a historical
instance of Chicken that has occurred on the world stage between the 1960s and today. What was
at stake for the players, and what were their particular interests in pursuing this โgameโ? Be sure
to support your interpretation with logical argumentation and empirical evidence.
Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Describe the nations who might be most likely to engage in โChicken,โ and why. Such
states might include, most prominently, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, and perhaps Russia or China,
etc. Students might argue that China and Russia might be most likely to engage in Chicken
because they have significant power and yet not entirely stable nations, and North Korea, Iran,
and perhaps Cuba might be most likely to engage in Chicken because they have a relatively
limited amount of power and international support, contributing to their relatively unstable
regimes.
2. Describe a specific modern instance of Chicken. The Cuban Missile Crisis or Iraqโs
invasion and occupation of Kuwait would serve well.
3. Assess the risks and rewards for both sides. In the case of the Cuban Missile Crisis, for
instance, both sides risked nuclear war and the appearance of weakness in the face of backing
down. The potential rewards for both sides included peace and the projection of power, along
with the rewards of continued containment of Cuba and Soviet influence in the Caribbean for the
United States, on the one hand, and expanded Soviet influence in the Caribbean, on the other.
4. Offer a concise summary and effective conclusion.
Learning Objective: 2.5 Describe the Prisonerโs Dilemma game, and explain how it is an analogy
for the international system.
Topic: Strategy
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
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