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Questions and Answers
How is international relations defined as a subfield of political science?
How is international relations defined as a subfield of political science?
The study of the interactions among the various actors that participate in international politics.
Which of the following is NOT a prominent theory in international relations, as discussed in the text?
Which of the following is NOT a prominent theory in international relations, as discussed in the text?
According to realism, states exist in an anarchic international system, meaning there is a hierarchical governing body.
According to realism, states exist in an anarchic international system, meaning there is a hierarchical governing body.
False
Liberalism historically posits that human nature is inherently evil.
Liberalism historically posits that human nature is inherently evil.
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What are the three levels of analysis used in international relations, as mentioned in the text?
What are the three levels of analysis used in international relations, as mentioned in the text?
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What did Thucydides, the ancient Greek historian, identify as the underlying cause of the Peloponnesian War?
What did Thucydides, the ancient Greek historian, identify as the underlying cause of the Peloponnesian War?
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Which of the following is NOT a reason why drawing specific lessons from historical analogies can be problematic?
Which of the following is NOT a reason why drawing specific lessons from historical analogies can be problematic?
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What did Plato, in his work "The Republic", argue should be the ideal rulers of a state?
What did Plato, in his work "The Republic", argue should be the ideal rulers of a state?
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What two key ideas from Plato's work have influenced contemporary Marxist analysts?
What two key ideas from Plato's work have influenced contemporary Marxist analysts?
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What was Aristotle's contribution to the study of political science, as described in the text?
What was Aristotle's contribution to the study of political science, as described in the text?
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In Thomas Hobbes's "Leviathan", what was his description of the state of nature and how did he propose to escape it?
In Thomas Hobbes's "Leviathan", what was his description of the state of nature and how did he propose to escape it?
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What was Rousseau's solution to the dilemma posed by the stag and the hare?
What was Rousseau's solution to the dilemma posed by the stag and the hare?
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What did Immanuel Kant propose as a means to achieve peace in international relations?
What did Immanuel Kant propose as a means to achieve peace in international relations?
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The text states that philosophical methods, while helpful in identifying normative guidelines, may not be as effective in addressing specific, practical questions.
The text states that philosophical methods, while helpful in identifying normative guidelines, may not be as effective in addressing specific, practical questions.
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What is the name of the book written by psychologist Steven Pinker that examines the decline of violence in human history?
What is the name of the book written by psychologist Steven Pinker that examines the decline of violence in human history?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the four prominent theories of international relations discussed in the text?
Which of the following is NOT one of the four prominent theories of international relations discussed in the text?
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Realists believe that states exist in an anarchic international system, meaning there is no overarching hierarchical authority.
Realists believe that states exist in an anarchic international system, meaning there is no overarching hierarchical authority.
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Liberalism, in contrast to realism, sees human nature as fundamentally good and emphasizes the potential for cooperation between states.
Liberalism, in contrast to realism, sees human nature as fundamentally good and emphasizes the potential for cooperation between states.
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What is dialectical reasoning?
What is dialectical reasoning?
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What did Aristotle conclude about the rise and fall of states?
What did Aristotle conclude about the rise and fall of states?
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What is Leviathan, according to Thomas Hobbes?
What is Leviathan, according to Thomas Hobbes?
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What did Immanuel Kant advocate for in his work, Idea for a Universal History and Perpetual Peace?
What did Immanuel Kant advocate for in his work, Idea for a Universal History and Perpetual Peace?
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What are some of the fundamental relationships examined by the philosophical tradition in International Relations?
What are some of the fundamental relationships examined by the philosophical tradition in International Relations?
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Philosophical methods are always useful for helping us answer specific questions in International Relations.
Philosophical methods are always useful for helping us answer specific questions in International Relations.
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Study Notes
Approaches to International Relations
- International relations is the study of interactions among actors in international politics, including states, individuals, international organizations, and NGOs.
- It's an interdisciplinary field, drawing on history, economics, and anthropology, as well as political science.
- Key questions in IR include the characteristics of human nature and states, the relationship between individuals and society, and the structure of the international system.
- Competing theories (realism, liberalism, radical theory, constructivism) offer different perspectives on these questions.
- Realism posits that states operate in an anarchic system, prioritizing national interests defined by power. Liberalism emphasizes cooperation and international norms. Radical theory focuses on economic class and international capitalism. Constructivism emphasizes social and ideational structures.
Developing the Answers
- History is crucial for understanding contemporary issues, tracing the origins of conflicts and disputes.
- History helps identify patterns and potential causes of events (e.g., Thucydides' analysis of the Peloponnesian War).
- Historical analogies can be helpful but are limited; outcomes are influenced by diverse factors and context.
- Philosophy contributes to IR by examining fundamental questions about human nature, state characteristics, and the ideal international system (e.g., Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Rousseau, Kant).
- Philosophical analysis identifies normative considerations, like justice in war and resource distribution.
Thinking Theoretically
- Political scientists develop theories to understand international events and answer foundational questions.
- Prominent theories in IR include realism, liberalism, radical perspectives (rooted in Marxism), and constructivism.
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Description
This quiz explores the key theories and concepts in international relations, including realism, liberalism, radical theory, and constructivism. Dive into how historical, economic, and anthropological perspectives shape the study of interactions among states and other actors in the international system.
