Basic Concepts in International Relations
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What was the main focus of the Third Great Debate in international relations?

  • Globalization versus Nationalism
  • Constructivism versus Positivism
  • Realist ideas about power versus Liberalist theories of democracy
  • Institutional Neoliberalism versus Structural Neorealism (correct)

Which of the following best describes the viewpoint of Institutional Neoliberalism?

  • States can benefit from cooperation through international institutions. (correct)
  • Power politics is the only path to survival.
  • Human nature drives states to constant conflict.
  • Cooperation is impossible in an anarchic system.

What key principle is emphasized by Structural Neorealism?

  • States prioritize economic interdependence.
  • Knowledge is socially constructed.
  • Anarchy forces states to focus on power and survival. (correct)
  • Moral norms guide state behavior.

Which statement accurately reflects the concept of Positivism?

<p>It advocates for scientific methods and objective truths. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is a prominent figure associated with Classic Realism?

<p>Hans Morgenthau (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Classic Realism assume about the international system?

<p>It lacks a central authority and is anarchic. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key criticism of Classic Realism according to its proponents?

<p>It fails to consider the impact of international institutions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Post-positivism emphasize in contrast to Positivism?

<p>The role of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping behavior. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actors are considered foundational to international relations?

<p>States (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four key characteristics of an ideal state?

<p>Sovereignty, Territory, Population, Government (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes globalization?

<p>The process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In international relations, the role of NGOs is primarily focused on which of the following?

<p>Representing civil society and addressing human rights issues (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How have states’ roles in international relations evolved over time?

<p>Their sovereignty is increasingly influenced by global institutions and networks. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which landmark event is considered pivotal in the evolution of the modern state?

<p>The Treaty of Westphalia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of International Organizations (IOs) in global governance?

<p>To facilitate cooperation and address global issues beyond single states' capabilities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect describes the significance of individuals in international relations compared to states and IOs?

<p>The impact of individuals is often more situational and context-specific. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Arab Spring in Tunisia?

<p>Transitioned to democracy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the formula D = C x W represent in the context of deterrence?

<p>Deterrence = Capabilities x Will/Credibility (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one major consequence of the intervention in Libya during the Arab Spring?

<p>The country descended into chaos and civil war (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered a humanitarian reason for intervention according to the R2P framework?

<p>Geopolitical alliances (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does population distribution affect a state's economic power?

<p>It centralizes influence in urban centers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the principle of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD)?

<p>Avoids wars through reciprocal threat of punishment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which geographic features provide natural defenses that impact military strategy?

<p>Deserts and mountains (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What influences a state's economic power in terms of trade?

<p>Access to strategic trade routes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which country faced a humanitarian crisis as a result of the events during the Arab Spring?

<p>Syria (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of Hinduism?

<p>It encompasses diverse beliefs and practices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a problem often associated with international intervention?

<p>Prolonged conflict with civilian casualties (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is typically a national interest that motivates intervention?

<p>Strategic goals and security threats (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Samuel Huntington, what will future conflicts primarily arise from?

<p>Cultural and religious identities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the regions classified as the Islamic World?

<p>Regions dominated by Islamic practices and beliefs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of religion significantly influences international relations?

<p>Religious ideologies affecting political policies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is highlighted in Huntington's theory regarding civilizations?

<p>Civilizations are characterized by shared cultural and religious identities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Balance of Payments account include?

<p>All international economic transactions including trade and financial transfers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which economic theory emerged to replace mercantilism in the mid-18th century?

<p>Free trade theory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of mercantilism?

<p>Accumulating gold and silver to increase national power (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the concept of comparative advantage, what should a country focus on?

<p>Producing goods that have the lowest opportunity cost (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of free trade?

<p>It may lead to over-specialization (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes absolute advantage from comparative advantage?

<p>Absolute advantage involves producing more using the same resources, while comparative focuses on efficiency relative to opportunity costs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a key benefit of free trade?

<p>It lowers consumer costs and increases efficiency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Balance of Payments equation indicate about a country's economic transactions?

<p>All economic transactions must balance to maintain economic stability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the IMF?

<p>To lend to states experiencing Balance of Payments shortfalls. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organization replaced GATT in 1993?

<p>World Trade Organization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does liquidity refer to in the context of the IMF?

<p>Access to available cash for meeting international obligations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of global income is received by the top 20% of the population?

<p>75% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some consequences of global inequality?

<p>Perpetuates poverty and hinders development. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the term 'Global South' evolve over time?

<p>It began as a geopolitical term relating to conflicts during the Cold War. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Global North typically includes which of the following?

<p>Wealthier industrialized nations like Japan and the U.S. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about structural reforms in IMF loans is accurate?

<p>They are designed to facilitate trade and economic stability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

State in IR

A political entity with sovereignty, territory, population, and government; a foundational actor in international relations, controlling power, resources, and diplomacy.

Sovereignty

The supreme authority and power of a state to govern itself within its borders without external interference.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries driven by global exchange.

International Organization (IO)

An intergovernmental organization that promotes cooperation and addresses global issues.

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NGO

Non-governmental organization representing civil society, working on human rights, environment, and humanitarian aid.

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Actor in IR

A person or group with influence in world politics, including states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and individuals.

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Modern State Evolution

The development of centralized nation-states from earlier forms, influenced by factors like monarchies, treaties, nationalism, and globalization.

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4 Characteristics of an Ideal State

Sovereignty, territory, population, and government.

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3rd Great Debate

The debate in international relations during the 1980s focused on Institutional Neoliberalism vs. Structural Neorealism.

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Institutional Neoliberalism

A theory arguing that states can cooperate through international institutions, benefiting from interdependence.

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Structural Neorealism

A theory claiming that the anarchic system forces states to focus on power and survival, making cooperation difficult.

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4th Great Debate

The debate in international relations emphasizing Positivism vs. Post-positivism (Constructivism), mainly in the late 20th century.

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Positivism

A view advocating scientific methods and empirical data, seeking objective truths and causality in international relations.

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Post-positivism (Constructivism)

A view that knowledge is socially constructed, emphasizing the role of ideas, norms, and identity in shaping state behavior.

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Classic Realism

A theory in international relations that focuses on the role of power and human nature, asserting that states operate in an anarchic system where conflict is inevitable.

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Anarchy (IR)

Lacks a central authority in the international system.

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Arab Spring

A wave of pro-democracy uprisings in the Arab world (2010-2012), triggered by discontent with authoritarian regimes.

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Deterrence

Discouraging an opponent from acting by threatening punishment or showing overwhelming capabilities.

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Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD)

Avoiding war by threatening extreme levels of destruction on both sides, making an attack unthinkable.

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Responsibility to Protect (R2P)

The principle that states have a responsibility to protect their populations from mass atrocities.

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Intervention Triggers (empirical)

Motivations for countries to intervene, including national interests, geopolitics, humanitarian reasons, international legitimacy, and domestic factors.

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Intervention Criteria (normative)

Standards guiding intervention decisions; the critical element is whether a state is 'manifestly failing' in its duty to protect its people.

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Intervention Problems

The potential for prolonged conflict, civilian casualties, and divisions in the UN or world order following intervention.

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R2P Pillar III

Collective action to protect populations if a state is 'manifestly failing' in protecting them.

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Geography's Impact on State Power

Geographic factors like location, resources, and access to trade routes influence a state's economic, military, and political power.

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Resource-Rich States

Countries with abundant natural resources like oil, minerals, or fertile land tend to have greater economic influence and attract foreign investment.

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Economic Connectivity

States near major trade partners benefit economically, increasing their power.

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Major Religions

Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Sikhism are some prominent religions globally, each with unique beliefs and widespread following.

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Islamic World

Regions where Islam is the dominant religion, including the Middle East and parts of Asia.

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Religion's Political Influence

Religion affects political views, conflicts, and alliances, leading to distinct national policies and impacting international relations.

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"Clash of Civilizations" (Huntington)

Huntington's theory suggests future conflicts will be based on cultural and religious differences and not just politics or economics.

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Nation

A large group of people sharing common cultural identity, often linked to a specific geographic region.

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GATT

The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was a multilateral treaty focusing on reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers to international trade. It was replaced by the WTO in 1995.

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Global Inequality

The uneven distribution of wealth and opportunities across different countries and populations, leading to significant disparities in living standards and access to resources.

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Global South

A term used to describe developing countries located in the southern hemisphere, often facing economic challenges and historical disadvantages.

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What are the effects of global inequality?

Global inequality has detrimental effects, perpetuating poverty, hindering development, breeding instability, exacerbating global issues like climate change, and raising moral and ethical concerns about fairness and human rights

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Bandung Conference

The 1955 Bandung Conference was significant for its support of non-alignment, contributing to the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

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Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) comprises countries that did not align with either the West (US/NATO) or the East (USSR) during the Cold War. It advocated for neutrality in international affairs.

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Balance of Payments

A record of all economic transactions between a country's residents and the rest of the world, including trade, investments, and transfers.

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Current Account

Part of the balance of payments that records trade in goods and services, income from investments, and unilateral transfers.

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Capital Account

Part of the balance of payments that records the flow of financial capital between a country and the rest of the world.

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Mercantilism

An economic policy that emphasizes national wealth through accumulating precious metals (gold/silver) by promoting exports and minimizing imports.

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Trade Surplus

When a country exports more goods and services than it imports, resulting in a positive balance in the current account.

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Free Trade Theory

The idea that countries should specialize in producing and exporting goods and services where they have a comparative advantage, leading to greater global efficiency and wealth.

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Comparative Advantage

A country can produce a good at a lower opportunity cost than another country, even if it lacks absolute advantage in production.

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Absolute Advantage

A country can produce more of a good using the same resources compared to another country.

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Study Notes

Basic IR Concepts

  • Actors in international relations include states, international organizations (IOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and individuals.
  • States are fundamental to international relations as they control power, resources, and diplomacy. IOs are crucial for global cooperation, addressing issues like climate change and pandemics. NGOs represent civil society and advocate for issues like human rights. Individuals can have significant impacts during specific events.
  • States and IOs are still dominant actors, however. Individuals and NGOs are indispensable in shaping global politics.

State Definition and Evolution

  • A state is a political entity with key characteristics.
  • The modern state evolved from tribal, feudal, and imperial structures to the centralized, sovereign nation-states of today. Key milestones include the consolidation of monarchies, the Treaty of Westphalia, nationalism, the Industrial Revolution, and globalisation.
  • States today are still dominant actors, but influenced by global institutions and networks

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts related to international relations, including the roles of states, international organizations, NGOs, and individuals. It also explores the evolution of the modern state from various historical structures. Test your understanding of these fundamental aspects of global politics.

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