Podcast
Questions and Answers
Foreign policy is outward-looking and seeks to promote the national ______.
Foreign policy is outward-looking and seeks to promote the national ______.
interest
The South China Sea is referred to as 'the second ______ Gulf' due to its significant energy reserves.
The South China Sea is referred to as 'the second ______ Gulf' due to its significant energy reserves.
Persian
The South China Sea is a major route for global commercial ______ and naval operations.
The South China Sea is a major route for global commercial ______ and naval operations.
shipping
In 2013, the U.S. flew B-52 bombers through ______ airspace after China’s claim.
In 2013, the U.S. flew B-52 bombers through ______ airspace after China’s claim.
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The U.S. rejects China’s sovereignty claim over most of the South China Sea ______.
The U.S. rejects China’s sovereignty claim over most of the South China Sea ______.
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Commodore Matthew Perry opened Japan to trade after two centuries of ______.
Commodore Matthew Perry opened Japan to trade after two centuries of ______.
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The international court rejected China’s territorial ______ in 2016.
The international court rejected China’s territorial ______ in 2016.
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The Spratly and Paracel Islands are major ______ in the South China Sea dispute.
The Spratly and Paracel Islands are major ______ in the South China Sea dispute.
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On May 8, 2019, the U.S. announces a new round of ______.
On May 8, 2019, the U.S. announces a new round of ______.
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Iran plans to increase ______ enrichment, violating the 2015 agreement.
Iran plans to increase ______ enrichment, violating the 2015 agreement.
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The U.S. and Saudi Arabia blame ______ for the attack on a Saudi oil pipeline.
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia blame ______ for the attack on a Saudi oil pipeline.
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On June 20, 2019, Iran shoots down a U.S. ______ surveillance drone.
On June 20, 2019, Iran shoots down a U.S. ______ surveillance drone.
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Trump cancels a military strike due to concerns about civilian ______.
Trump cancels a military strike due to concerns about civilian ______.
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The U.S. conducts a cyberattack against the Iranian database used to target ______ in the Persian Gulf.
The U.S. conducts a cyberattack against the Iranian database used to target ______ in the Persian Gulf.
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Iran begins exceeding uranium enrichment ______.
Iran begins exceeding uranium enrichment ______.
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The UK seizes an Iranian tanker headed to ______, violating EU sanctions.
The UK seizes an Iranian tanker headed to ______, violating EU sanctions.
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Growing concerns about a backlash against globalization have led to ______ and nationalism.
Growing concerns about a backlash against globalization have led to ______ and nationalism.
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The debate over American hegemony includes whether the U.S. acts as an empire or a ______.
The debate over American hegemony includes whether the U.S. acts as an empire or a ______.
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Challenges to U.S. dominance include the rise of ______ and Russia.
Challenges to U.S. dominance include the rise of ______ and Russia.
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The discrepancy in global opinion often centers around U.S. foreign policy and considerations of other countries' ______.
The discrepancy in global opinion often centers around U.S. foreign policy and considerations of other countries' ______.
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International crises are characterized by high surprise, high threat, and short ______ times.
International crises are characterized by high surprise, high threat, and short ______ times.
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The June 2019 U.S.-Iran conflict aimed for U.S. ______ and possibly regime change.
The June 2019 U.S.-Iran conflict aimed for U.S. ______ and possibly regime change.
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In retaliation, Iran designated the U.S. Central Command as a ______ group.
In retaliation, Iran designated the U.S. Central Command as a ______ group.
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The first round of economic sanctions against Iran was initiated on ______ 7, 2018.
The first round of economic sanctions against Iran was initiated on ______ 7, 2018.
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The U.S. has ______ intervened in the political affairs of states outside the Western Hemisphere.
The U.S. has ______ intervened in the political affairs of states outside the Western Hemisphere.
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Isolationism allowed Americans to focus on ______ and economic growth.
Isolationism allowed Americans to focus on ______ and economic growth.
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During the 19th century, many Americans believed in 'manifest ______'.
During the 19th century, many Americans believed in 'manifest ______'.
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Promoting ______ became a rationalization for American interventionism in the 20th century.
Promoting ______ became a rationalization for American interventionism in the 20th century.
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The phrase 'a friend today could become a ______ tomorrow' expresses a realist view in foreign policy.
The phrase 'a friend today could become a ______ tomorrow' expresses a realist view in foreign policy.
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Throughout most of its history, the U.S. has embraced ______, acting independently in international affairs.
Throughout most of its history, the U.S. has embraced ______, acting independently in international affairs.
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After the two world wars, the U.S. began to favour ______.
After the two world wars, the U.S. began to favour ______.
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The debate of idealism vs. ______ in U.S. foreign policy revolves around visions versus reality.
The debate of idealism vs. ______ in U.S. foreign policy revolves around visions versus reality.
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Structural Realism suggests that states respond to changes in the international distribution of ______.
Structural Realism suggests that states respond to changes in the international distribution of ______.
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According to Neoclassical Realism, the responses of states to systemic trends are influenced by ______ factors.
According to Neoclassical Realism, the responses of states to systemic trends are influenced by ______ factors.
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Constructivism examines how ______, interests, and ideas are socially constructed.
Constructivism examines how ______, interests, and ideas are socially constructed.
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In Marxism, capitalism is viewed as a driving force behind imperialist ______.
In Marxism, capitalism is viewed as a driving force behind imperialist ______.
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Feminism critiques the ______ nature of International Relations.
Feminism critiques the ______ nature of International Relations.
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Liberalism emphasizes the importance of ______, international institutions, and the spread of democracy.
Liberalism emphasizes the importance of ______, international institutions, and the spread of democracy.
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Marxism explains that people do not fight against the ruling class due to being fed a false ______ vision.
Marxism explains that people do not fight against the ruling class due to being fed a false ______ vision.
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In Liberalism, multiple domestic ______ influence foreign policy.
In Liberalism, multiple domestic ______ influence foreign policy.
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Study Notes
Foreign Policy Overview
- Foreign policy aims to promote a nation's interests beyond its borders.
- It involves anticipating threats and recognizing opportunities abroad.
- Examples include the U.S. response to China's actions in the South China Sea.
The South China Sea
- Covers 648,000 square nautical miles.
- Surrounding countries include China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
- Disputed landforms include over 400 to 600 rocks, reefs, atolls, and islands.
- Major groups include the Spratly and Paracel Islands.
U.S. Stance
- No official position on territorial claims, but rejects China's sovereignty claims over most of the region.
- Tensions escalated with China due to conflicting territorial claims.
Key Strategic Factors
- Critical Passageway: Major route for global commercial shipping and naval operations, six times the oil flow compared to the Suez Canal.
- Potential Natural Resources: Significant energy reserves.
- Strategic Importance to China: Comparable to the Caribbean's importance to the U.S., integral to China's foreign policy and defense strategies.
U.S.-China Tensions
- 2013: U.S. flew B-52 bombers after China's claim.
- 2014: China placed an oil rig in disputed waters, increasing tension.
- 2015-2016: China built artificial islands for military purposes.
- 2016: International Court of Justice rejected China's claims.
- 2018: U.S.-China military encounters, including a near collision.
Historical Context: The First Asian Pivot
- Commodore Matthew Perry (1853) opened Japan to trade.
- Treaty of Kanagawa (1854) established U.S. coaling stations.
- Later treaties expanded U.S. influence.
- Growing concerns about a backlash against globalization, leading to populism and nationalism.
American Hegemony
- Debate exists on whether the U.S. functions as an empire or a global government.
- Challenges include the rise of China and Russia.
Global Opinion on U.S. Foreign Policy
- Disparity between American views on considering other countries' interests and global perceptions.
- Varied perceptions of global threats, including climate change, cyberattacks, and U.S. power.
U.S. Foreign Policy and Global Trends (2035)
- National Intelligence Council predicts increased global disorder and competition.
- Growing complexity of international issues, requiring cooperation.
- Fragmentation of global citizenry complicates democratic governance and policy-making.
International Crises
- High surprise, threat, and short response times.
- Characterized by action-reaction cycles leading to escalation and potential loss of control.
- Example: June 2019 U.S.-Iran conflict.
Chronology of Events (US-Iran Conflict)
- May 8, 2018: U.S. withdraws from the Iran nuclear agreement.
- May 21, 2018: Pompeo presents demands for Iran to meet.
- Aug. 7, 2018: U.S. initiates sanctions against Iran.
- Nov. 5, 2018: Second round of sanctions announced.
- Apr. 8, 2019: U.S. designates the IRGC as a terrorist group.
- May 5, 2019: U.S. deploys military assets to the Middle East.
- May 8, 2019: New sanctions announced, Iran plans uranium enrichment.
- May 12, 2019: Ships sabotaged, Iran denies involvement.
- May 14, 2019: Saudi oil pipeline attacked, U.S. blames Iran.
- May 19, 2019: Rocket near U.S. embassy in Baghdad.
- May 24, 2019: U.S. deploys more troops to the Middle East.
- June 13, 2019: Two tankers attacked, video shows Iranian boats.
- June 17, 2019: Iran announces it will breach uranium enrichment limits.
- June 20, 2019: Iran shoots down a U.S. drone.
U.S. Decision-Making on Military Action
- Initial response considered military action after the drone incident but hesitates due to potential casualties.
- Trump initially supports military action but cancels it due to concerns about civilian casualties.
Aftermath and Action-Reaction Cycle
- U.S. conducts a secret cyberstrike against Iranian databases.
- UK seizes an Iranian tanker, violating EU sanctions. Iran retaliates by seizing a British tanker.
- Iran exceeds uranium enrichment limits, U.S. responds with sanctions.
- Houthi rebels attack Saudi oil facilities, escalating tensions.
US Foreign Policy Themes
- Isolationism: Avoiding entanglement in foreign affairs.
- Moralism: Viewing U.S. government and policy as superior, promoting liberty and justice abroad.
- Pragmatism: Acting in the best interest of the U.S.
- Unilateralism: Acting independently, without consulting other states.
Competing Themes
- Idealism vs. Realism: Should foreign policy be based on visions or deal with reality?
- Isolationism vs. Involvement: Should the U.S. intervene in international affairs?
- Unilateralism vs. Multilateralism: Should the U.S. act alone or with other nations?
Theories of International Relations
- Realism: Focuses on power and self-interest.
- Liberalism: Emphasizes cooperation, democracy, and institutions.
- Constructivism: Examines socially constructed ideas and identities.
- Marxism: Explores capitalism, economic exploitation, and imperialism.
- Feminism: Critiques the male-dominated nature of IR and highlights female perspectives.
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Description
Explore the intricacies of foreign policy, with a focus on the South China Sea and its strategic significance. Delve into the U.S. stance on territorial claims and the surrounding nations' interests in this disputed region. This quiz will enhance your understanding of international relations and maritime dynamics.
