Foreign Policy Decision-Making
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Questions and Answers

Which cycle is associated with the largest wars occurring every 100 years?

  • Kondratieff cycles (correct)
  • Kuznets cycles
  • Schumpeter cycles
  • Jenkins cycles

What percentage of the world is characterized by a 'one nation, one state' fit?

  • 50%
  • 70%
  • 10% (correct)
  • 30%

Which example best represents a 'one nation, no state' fit problem?

  • Kurds (correct)
  • Korea
  • Canada
  • Afghanistan

Which type of conflict arises from multiple nations existing within multiple states, often leading to chaos?

<p>Multiple nations, multiple states (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes the idea that war among the leading great powers is no longer a concern for their future?

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

What type of warfare involves propaganda and non-state entities disrupting democratic societies?

<p>Gray zone conflict (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following issues is NOT mentioned as a potential future concern related to conflict and war?

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

What type of fit is most likely to succeed if designed correctly?

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

What is the main goal of suicide terrorism?

<p>To inflict harm while maximizing coercion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which form of terrorism is characterized by inflicting real harm on a large audience?

<p>Destructive Terrorism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What notable risk is associated with both destructive and suicide terrorism?

<p>Losing support from neutral parties (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What complicates military responses to terrorism?

<p>Civilian casualties during operations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Schelling's view of coercion differ from that of suicide terrorism?

<p>It suggests that the weak can coerce the strong (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes domestic terrorism from international terrorism?

<p>The legal definitions used by governments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as a significant problem with military counterterrorism strategies?

<p>The inability to locate mobile targets (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary outcome can be associated with military actions against terrorism?

<p>It may unify communities behind the insurgent cause (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of International Law?

<p>It comprises a set of rules recognized as obligatory by states. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is likely considered the most successful in alleviating terrorism?

<p>Alleviating societal and political situations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'soft law' play in International Law?

<p>It refers to accepted norms and principles without binding force. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one common misconception about International Law?

<p>Exceptions to International Law are always accepted by all nations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'hard law'?

<p>It refers to written rules like conventions and treaties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do states generally prefer predictability and stability in International Law?

<p>To avoid conflicts and better pursue their national interests. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of building regimes in International Law?

<p>To provide consistent expectations around specific issue areas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the case of The Paquete Habana signify in International Law?

<p>It established the recognition of certain International Law practices by the U.S. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the European Human Rights System primarily?

<p>It is legalistic and encompasses a broad range of rights. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is stated about the universality of human rights?

<p>Human rights are primarily recognized at a regional level. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept does Saving Private Ryan primarily challenge regarding warfare?

<p>The portrayal of glory overshadows the reality of war. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does pop culture represent according to the content?

<p>The collective behaviors, ideas, and aspirations of a society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the European Human Rights System involves giving up sovereignty?

<p>Transparency necessitates a level of relinquished sovereignty. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym P.E.P. stand for in relation to pop culture?

<p>Past, Evolution, Present. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the European Human Rights System?

<p>Countries retain full sovereignty in legal matters. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how is pop culture defined?

<p>A dynamic expression of a culture's essence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect that distinguishes piracy from other crimes?

<p>It is defined in terms of private gain and excludes private individuals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances does the 1979 Convention against the Taking of Hostages not apply?

<p>During war. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do interest groups play according to Constructivists?

<p>Only some interest groups are seen as influencing outcomes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following acts qualifies as genocide?

<p>Creating life-threatening conditions for a group. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of military proportionality entail?

<p>The harm caused must not exceed what is necessary to achieve a military objective. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does public opinion influence policy differently in democracies and authoritarian governments?

<p>Public opinion has a greater impact on domestic policy than foreign policy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of legislatures in relation to interest groups and public opinion?

<p>They are often influenced by both interest groups and public opinion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is one of the identifiable acts of genocide?

<p>Killing members of the group. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Fukuyama, what does the 'End of History' refer to?

<p>The consensus for governmental consent and universal freedom. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main obligation of UN member states regarding disputes?

<p>To settle disputes peacefully. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Huntington's hypothesis regarding conflicts in global politics?

<p>Cultural differences will dominate sources of conflict. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle states that noncombatants cannot be targeted in conflict?

<p>Discrimination. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach involves a third party negotiating a settlement?

<p>Good Offices. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Huntington define as civilization?

<p>The highest level of cultural identity among humans. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one argument for the future of the nation-state?

<p>Nation-states will retain their status as primary actors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which argument reflects Fukuyama's perspective on historical progress?

<p>Liberalism signifies the end of ideological evolution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Rational Actor Model (RAM) in decision-making?

<p>To maximize utility and minimize costs in policy choices (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'bounded rationality' imply in decision-making contexts?

<p>Decision making is limited by the information and cognitive constraints (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that constrains foreign policy decision-making?

<p>Emotional impulses of leaders (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential characteristic of the Rational Actor Model?

<p>It simplifies decision-making to maximize benefits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bias increases cognitive balance or reduces cognitive dissonance in decision-making?

<p>Cognitive bias (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'satisficing' refer to in the context of decision-making?

<p>Finding a solution that meets acceptable criteria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does personality influence foreign policy decision-making?

<p>It can shape interpretations of situations and risks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do misperceptions play in foreign policy decision-making?

<p>They can lead to polarized and flawed conclusions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of guerrilla warfare?

<p>Fighting conducted amid civilian populations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that leaders may initiate conflict to distract from domestic issues?

<p>Diversionary Theory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Power Transition Theory?

<p>The relationship between a hegemon and a challenger (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What often initiates arms races between states?

<p>Mutual fears and conflicting purposes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical condition that may lead leaders to adopt the Scapegoat Theory?

<p>Increasing political opposition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes significantly to the likelihood of conflict according to Power, Size, and Development?

<p>Greater capacity to act and responsibility (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes unstable arms races?

<p>The longer they last, the less stable they become (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of a challenger to a hegemon often indicate?

<p>A shift in global power dynamics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is considered likely the most successful strategy to alleviate terrorism?

<p>Targeting the foundations of the problem (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do building regimes in International Law primarily aim to do?

<p>Establish expectations around specific issue areas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between soft law and hard law in International Law?

<p>Soft law lacks enforceability, while hard law does not (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which source of International Law is rooted in the customary practices of states?

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

Why do states prefer a predictability and stability provided by International Law?

<p>To allow for easier pursuit of national interests (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT true regarding non-compliance with International Law?

<p>Non-compliance is generally tolerated by the international community (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of law reflects accepted norms and principles without formal binding agreements?

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

What is one of the reasons that states engage in customs as a source of International Law?

<p>Due to a sense of legal obligation or fear of consequences (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first phase in the Prospect Theory decision-making process?

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

Which of the following is a characteristic of groupthink?

<p>Striving for unanimity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary influence in the Organizational-process model of decision-making?

<p>Strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the phenomenon where commitment to group decisions becomes so strong that alternatives are ignored?

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

Which model suggests that foreign policy decisions arise from bargaining among various government agencies?

<p>Bureaucratic Politics Model (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of pressure on nonconformists in a group setting?

<p>Minimized conflict within the group (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What misconception is linked to the 'hard-headed' attitude in groupthink?

<p>Believing all group members are right (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept expresses the idea that the best course of action can sometimes be doing something rather than nothing?

<p>Incrementalism in decision-making (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation regarding private individuals taking action against piracy?

<p>Only governments can legally stop acts of piracy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an identifiable act of genocide?

<p>Causing economic harm to a country (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of discrimination ensure in wartime conduct?

<p>Noncombatants are immune from being targeted. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions does the 1979 Convention against the Taking of Hostages not apply to?

<p>Hostage situations arising during war (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What underlying philosophy does the concept of jus ad bellum relate to?

<p>Just cause for engaging in war (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under which circumstance does genocide occur according to its definition?

<p>With the intent to harm a specific group (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the act of third-party mediation between conflicting parties?

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

Which option reflects the concept of military proportionality?

<p>Combatants should cause no more harm than necessary to accomplish military objectives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Jus Cogens in international law?

<p>It is a norm that holds a higher rank than treaty law and customary rules. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a crime under international criminal law?

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

Regional customary law can have precedence over which aspect of international law?

<p>Other forms of customary law that conflict with it (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which acts fall under the definition of piracy according to UNCLOS III?

<p>Action against a vessel on the high seas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does international law face concerning the enforcement of slavery conventions?

<p>Absence of actual enforcement mechanisms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of treaties and conventions in international law?

<p>They aim to create obligations for the entire international community. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are judicial decisions treated under international law?

<p>They serve as examples but do not constrain new decisions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way can treaties potentially affect states not party to them?

<p>They can codify customary law impacting all states. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Interest Groups

Coalitions with shared interests aiming to influence policy outcomes.

Public Opinion's Impact

More influential in democracies on domestic policy than foreign policy.

Legislatures' Role

Less independent actors, more intermediaries/conduits for public pressure.

Foreign Policy vs. IR

Different, but understanding foreign policy is crucial for understanding international relations.

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Nation-State's Future?

Uncertainty about the continuing dominance of nation-states as primary actors.

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Fukuyama's 'End of History'

Liberalism's triumph, ending ideological conflicts but potentially hindering future progress.

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Huntington's Clash of Civilizations

Cultural conflicts as the primary driver of global politics.

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Civilization Definition

Highest cultural grouping of people, defined by common elements (language, religion) and self-identification.

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Kondratieff Cycles

Long economic waves that can influence global conflict, with war often occurring during periods of economic decline.

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100-Year Cycle

A pattern of creation and decay of global power, linked to major wars. As states weaken, they are less able to prevent large-scale conflict.

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Fit Problem

The mismatch between cultural (ethnic) boundaries and political (territorial) boundaries, potentially leading to conflict.

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Multinational State

A country containing multiple distinct national groups, each with its own culture and identity.

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Security Community

A group of states where war is considered unthinkable among member states, typically due to shared interests and institutions.

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Non-Traditional Warfare

Conflicts that don't involve direct military confrontations between states, such as insurgencies and propaganda.

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Gray Zone Conflict

A type of conflict where actors use influence and disruption tactics rather than direct force.

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Depleting Resources

A potential source of conflict as resources become scarce, leading to competition and potentially conflict.

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International Law

A set of rules, customs, and principles that countries (states) recognize as binding in their relations with each other.

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Routine Reduces Conflict

By adhering to international laws and norms, states create predictable interactions, reducing chances of conflict.

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Predictability and Stability

International Law provides predictability and stability in international relations, allowing countries to plan and react to situations.

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National Interests

International Law makes it easier for states to pursue their individual goals by providing a framework for cooperation.

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Hard Law

Written rules in International Law, usually found in treaties or conventions.

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Soft Law

Accepted norms and principles in International Law, often unwritten but widely recognized.

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Building Regimes

Developing institutions and frameworks around specific issues, shaping expectations and behavior.

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Customs in International Law

Practices that states follow out of a sense of legal obligation, not based on kindness or convenience.

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Piracy

Acts of violence or robbery committed at sea, particularly for private gain, excluding actions by legitimate governments.

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Hostage Taking

The act of seizing and holding someone against their will as a bargaining chip, often for political or financial gain.

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Crimes Against Humanity

Widespread or systematic attacks against civilians during wartime or peacetime, targeting specific groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs.

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Genocide

Intentional acts designed to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.

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Just War

A set of principles guiding the ethical conduct of warfare, focusing on the justification for going to war and the rules of engagement.

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Jus ad Bellum

The principles that decide whether going to war is justified.

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Jus in Bello

Principles governing the conduct of war, focusing on proportionality and discrimination.

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Discrimination in War

The principle that only combatants are legitimate targets, excluding noncombatants or civilians not actively participating in the war effort.

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Demonstrative Terrorism

A form of terrorism aiming to gain publicity, recruit members, and influence stakeholders through symbolic acts, without causing widespread harm.

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Destructive Terrorism

Terrorism meant to inflict substantial damage and harm on a target audience, aiming to mobilize supporters and escalate the conflict.

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Suicide Terrorism

The most extreme form of terrorism, involving self-sacrifice to maximize harm and coerce opponents. It aims to overwhelm resistance by inflicting significant pain.

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Terrorist Coercion

The power of the weak to coerce the strong through the threat of future pain, as seen in suicide terrorism.

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International vs. Domestic Terrorism

Terrorism poses different challenges in international and domestic settings, with varying definitions and strategies.

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Counterterrorism Strategies: Military Force

Using military force against terrorism, but it presents limitations like identification difficulties, collateral damage, and fueling anger.

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Pyramid of Terrorism

A concept describing the organizational structure of terrorist groups, with a wide base of supporters and fewer core leaders.

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Traditional Unilateral Counterterrorism

Counterterrorism tactics that focus on individual actions without broad cooperation, often involving law enforcement and intelligence.

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Second Generation Human Rights

Rights that depend on a high level of development and aim to advance societal progress, such as the right to education and healthcare.

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Regional Human Rights Systems

Systems of human rights protection that operate within specific geographic regions, often with their own conventions and courts.

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European Human Rights System

A prominent regional human rights system that emphasizes legal mechanisms for enforcing rights, including individual and group complaints.

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Universality of Human Rights

The idea that all human beings are entitled to the same basic rights, regardless of their location or circumstances.

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Pop Culture's Dynamic Nature

Pop culture is constantly evolving, influenced by time, place, and changing interpretations.

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Pop Culture's Impact on Society

Pop culture can have a significant influence on societal values, beliefs, and behaviors.

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Pop Culture as a 'Doing'

Pop culture is not just a collection of things, but rather a process of shared activities, ideas, and actions.

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Captain America's Symbolic Values

Captain America represents certain values, such as freedom, justice, and good vs. evil, that are reflected in American pop culture.

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Rational Actor Model (RAM)

A model assuming decision-makers always choose the option that best maximizes their goals and minimizes costs, prioritizing rationality over emotions

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Misperceptions in Decision-Making

When decision-makers misinterpret or selectively process information, leading to inaccurate perceptions of the situation.

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Affective Bias

Strong emotions influencing decision-making, leading to choices based on feelings rather than rational analysis.

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Cognitive Bias

Mental shortcuts or biases that affect decision-making, prioritizing comfort and familiar patterns.

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Bounded Rationality

A model of decision-making recognizing that choices are limited by time, information, and cognitive capacity, resulting in "good enough" solutions.

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Optimizing vs. Satisficing

Optimizing aims for the absolute best choice, while satisficing seeks a satisfactory solution that meets minimum requirements.

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Ideal Foreign Policy Decision-Maker

A hypothetical figure acting solely based on rational calculations, maximizing national interests and minimizing costs.

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The Real World vs. Ideal Models

Decision-making models, like RAM, provide useful frameworks but need to be adapted to account for real-world factors like emotions and biases.

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Guerrilla Warfare

Warfare conducted by irregular forces operating within civilian populations, often without clear front lines.

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Scapegoat Theory of War

Suggests that leaders initiate conflict to distract from domestic problems like economic hardship or political unrest.

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Diversionary Theory of War

Similar to the Scapegoat Theory, but focuses on manufactured conflict as a distraction, with no promise of a solution to the original problems.

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Power Transition Theory

Argues that war is most likely when a rising power challenges the existing dominant power (hegemon), and the hegemon's allies are tempted by the challenger's alternative.

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Arms Races

A progressive increase in military capabilities by two states due to mutual fear and distrust, often contributing to a heightened risk of conflict.

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Revisionist State

A state seeking to change the existing international order, which can contribute to arms races and instability.

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Unstable Arms Races

Arms races that become increasingly unstable over time, as each side develops new weapons and feels less secure, making conflict more likely.

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Prospect Theory

Decision-making process involving two phases: editing and evaluating choices. Editing involves simplifying options, while evaluation prioritizes options based on potential gains and losses.

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Incremental Policy

Changes made in small steps, making them easier to implement and reverse. This approach is favored when the consequences of drastic changes are uncertain.

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Groupthink

A phenomenon where group members prioritize harmony over critical thinking, leading to poor decision-making.

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Risky Shift Phenomenon

Groups tend to make riskier decisions than individuals, likely due to a combination of factors such as social pressure and diffusion of responsibility.

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Organizational-Process Model

Decision-making based on standard operating procedures (SOPs), aiming for efficiency in repetitive situations. This model is often less effective when dealing with unexpected challenges.

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Bureaucratic Politic Model (BPM)

Decision-making involves bargaining and negotiation between different government agencies, each with its own interests. This process can lead to compromises and policy outcomes that reflect a balance of power.

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Cuban Missile Crisis

An example of how the Bureaucratic Politic Model works. The decision to enact a blockade was a result of extensive negotiations between different agencies, primarily the military and the president.

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Foreign Policy's Complexity

Foreign policy decisions are often complex and require careful consideration of various factors, including domestic politics, international relations, and economic interests.

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Just War Theory

Principles guiding the ethical conduct of warfare, focusing on justification for war and rules of engagement.

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Customs

Practices that states follow out of a sense of legal obligation, not because it's nice, but because they're afraid of consequences.

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What's the purpose of International Law?

Reduces conflict, provides predictability and stability, and makes it easier for states to pursue their national interests.

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Why is International Law Important?

Because most states follow it most of the time, and when they don't, it's very bad, like war or terrorism.

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What are the 5 strategies to fight terrorism?

Improved intelligence, antiterrorist measures, international cooperation, alleviating the societal and political situation causing terrorism, and a multifaceted approach.

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What is jus cogens?

A fundamental principle of international law that is considered to be of paramount importance and cannot be violated by states. It overrides customary international law and treaties.

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What are examples of jus cogens norms?

Examples include prohibition of genocide, torture, slavery, and crimes against humanity. These norms are considered to be so fundamental that they are binding on all states, regardless of whether they have explicitly consented to them.

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What are treaties and conventions?

Formal agreements between states that create legally binding obligations. They can codify existing customary international law or establish new rules.

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How can treaties be binding on non-signatories?

Treaties can sometimes be binding on states that are not parties to them, particularly if they are considered customary international law or if they reflect a widespread consensus in the international community.

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What is stare decisis?

A legal doctrine where courts follow previous judicial decisions (precedents) in similar cases, creating predictability and consistency in the legal system.

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Why is there no stare decisis in international law?

International law doesn't rely on stare decisis because it is based on the consent of states and the evolving nature of international relations. Decisions are not binding on other courts or future cases.

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What are international crimes?

Crimes against the international community, universally recognized as serious violations of international law, regardless of where they occur.

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What are examples of international crimes?

Examples include slavery, piracy, genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. These crimes are often subject to prosecution by international courts.

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Study Notes

Foreign Policy

  • Individuals are important, but don't be reductionist.
  • Actions are constrained by international and domestic environments, bureaucratic processes, and decision-making styles (with inherent speed variation).
  • Foreign policy is not solely international relations.
  • Consider levels of analysis, time context (permissive/efficient causes), and theoretical lenses.

Ideal Decision Makers

  • Focuses on policymakers, presidents, and NSC members.
  • Includes all levels within the bureaucracy, but may miss passion or subjectivity.
  • Rationality maximizes utility (cost/benefit analysis).

Rational Actor Model

  • Clarify goals, order them by importance, list alternatives for achieving them, investigate consequences, choose the alternative that best maximizes national goals and minimizes costs.

Why RAM doesn't always work

  • Misperceptions and selective perceptions.
  • Information screens.
  • Affective bias.

Emotions and Decision Makers

  • Strong feelings about a person or state impact decision-making.

Personality Matters (Stephen Dyson)

  • Justification of effort, wishful thinking, a hardened image of the enemy, mirror image, protection of feelings, and historical analogies.

Leadership Trait Analysis

  • Analyzing leadership qualities.

Realistic Rationality/RAM

  • The model of bounded rationality focuses on optimizing and finding the best option, but instead prioritizes the closest or most satisfying option.

Prospect Theory

  • Decision-making involves two phases: editing and evaluation.

Incremental Policies

  • Gradual changes, such as those seen in Vietnam or Ukraine, can make reversal more difficult.

Groupthink

  • Group members' desire for unanimity may override realistic appraisal of choices.
  • Loyalty often overrides questioning or disagreement.
  • Pressure on nonconformists.
  • Decisions often perceived as moral.

Groupthink Characteristics

  • Loyalty most important
  • Conflict avoided
  • Questioning discouraged.
  • Dissent seen as disloyal.
  • Pressure on nonconformists.
  • Decisions viewed as moral.

Influences on Foreign Policy

  • Interest groups form coalitions.
  • Liberal vs. Realist vs. Constructivist perspectives
  • Public Opinion
  • Legislatures

Conclusions on Foreign Policy

  • Foreign Policy differs from International Relations, determined by hierarchical position, and complicates IR more than vice versa.

Future of the Nation State

  • State as primary actor may not always be the case.

Fukuyama's Argument (The End of History)

  • Liberalism has won out.
  • No new challenges, no more conflict.

Huntington's Clash of Civilizations

  • Cultural differences are the main source of conflicts.

Fault Lines

  • Divisive issues with serious implications/consequences

Classifications of War

  • Hegemonic War (control of entire world order).
  • Total War.
  • Limited War.
  • Civil War.
  • Guerrilla War.

Theories of the Causes of War

  • Scapegoat Theory: blame external for problems, leads to conflict.
  • Diversionary Theory: distract from internal problems with outside conflict.

Power, Size, and Development:

  • Larger powers have advantages, especially in cases of war.

Power Transition Theory

  • Inequality in power distribution between hegemon and challenger impacts their relations.

Arms Races

  • An ongoing, competitive increase in arms by states due to fear and conflicting objectives.

Cycle Theories

  • Wars are linked to long economic waves.

Types of Nation-State

  • Multinational states.
  • One nation, multiple states.
  • Multiple nations, multiple states.

Security Community

  • War among great powers will less likely occur.

Non-Traditional Warfare

  • Insurgencies, gray zone conflicts.
  • Resource depletion, global warming, humanitarian crises can impact conflicts.

Terrorism

  • Defining motive and differentiating terrorist acts from regular criminal acts is a complex discussion.
  • Terrorism often targets innocent civilians.

Terrorism Basics

  • Terrorism is strategic (rationality of irrationality, cost vs. benefit)
  • Coerces democracies into concessions.
  • Terrorism is increasing in effect.
  • Moderation important.

Forms of Terrorism

  • Demonstrative.
  • Destructive
  • Suicide Terrorism.
  • The causality of coercion changes drastically in suicide terrorism: the weak coerce the strong.

Reducing Terrorism

  • Military approaches are problematic.
  • Confidence is key to containment.

International Law

  • Legal rules, customs, principles states recognize, obligatory in relations.
  • Customs: state practices, sense of obligation.
  • Jus Cogens: higher-order norms.
  • Treaties, Conventions: binding agreements.
  • Judicial decisions and writings.

International Criminal Law

  • Recognized crimes regardless of situation: slavery, piracy, crime against humanity, genocide, torture, terrorism, hostage taking.

International Law Conventions

  • Multilateral conventions address issues like slavery, the suppression of terrorism, and financing terrorism.
  • There need to be concrete definitions.

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Description

Explore the complexities of foreign policy decision-making, focusing on the roles of individuals and bureaucratic processes. This quiz assesses understanding of models like the Rational Actor Model and the influence of emotions in policymaking. Delve into the constraints and variables that affect decisions in international relations.

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