General Study Notes Guide

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Questions and Answers

When do leaders and leaders' personality traits matter the most?

When a strong leader is present
When there are few institutional constraints (correct)
In new or changing institutions (correct)
During crises or unprecedented moments (correct)

What is the difference between a rational policy model and an organizational process model?

The rational policy model assumes a unified government making decisions to reach a defined goal. The organizational process model emphasizes complex bureaucratic procedures, routines, and standard operating procedures, where actions are taken based on pre-existing plans and not just on immediate ideals.

What are elite cues? What is the role of elite cues in political decision making?

Elite cues are signals from influential individuals or groups that signal what the public should focus on and what issues are important. These cues shape public attention and influence policy decisions by alerting the public to issues they might otherwise ignore.

Why do leaders care a lot about what the public thinks?

The text emphasizes that leaders care about the public's perception of them because it can influence their political success. They might make decisions based on what the public wants, even if it differs from their own true desires, to improve their chances of re-election or public support. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between hawks and doves in terms of foreign policy?

Hawks favor a more aggressive and forceful approach to foreign policy, often advocating for military intervention and the use of force. Doves, in contrast, lean towards diplomacy and non-military solutions to international conflicts, often prioritizes negotiations and peaceful resolutions. Signup and view all the answers

The National Security Advisor can be either civilian or military.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is civilian control over the military important for a democracy?

Civilian control ensures that the military acts under the direction of the democratically elected government, preventing the military from gaining undue power and ensuring accountability for military actions. Signup and view all the answers

According to Huntington's model, who should be responsible for setting goals and who should be responsible for tactical implementation?

Huntington's model envisions civilians setting the goals and objectives for national security, while the military handles the tactical implementation based on those goals. Signup and view all the answers

What are Brooks' main critiques of Huntington's model of civilian-military relations?

Brooks argues that the military does have a political role to play, and that focusing solely on tactical implementation ignores the impact of the military's actions on political issues, such as signaling their stance towards a conflict. He believes meaningful and effective conversations between the military and civilian leaders are essential for achieving positive results. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between civilian supremacists and professional supremacists in terms of civilian-military relations?

Civilian supremacists believe that civilian control is essential for a well-functioning democracy and that the military should be held accountable to civilian oversight. Professional supremacists, on the other hand, emphasize the expertise of the military and believe they should have a greater influence on policy decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Transnational advocacy networks have been shown to have minimal impact on government policies related to nuclear security.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why were transnational advocacy networks more successful in influencing the Soviet Union on nuclear policy than in influencing the United States?

The Soviet Union's less transparent decision-making system and greater reliance on state-controlled media meant that transnational networks could effectively disseminate information and mobilize support for their cause. In contrast, the US has a more open political system with a free press, making it more challenging for transnational networks to directly influence policies. Signup and view all the answers

The term 'second image reversed' refers to the influence of domestic politics on foreign policy.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between objective decline and declinism?

Objective decline refers to identifiable indicators of a nation's decline in aspects such as military strength, economic prosperity, or global influence. Declinism, on the other hand, is a more rhetorical concept, often used by political opponents to criticize a government's policies and promote the perception that the nation is in a declining state. Signup and view all the answers

A permissive border orientation is characterized by strict enforcement and extensive infrastructure to control movement across borders.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between secrecy and democracy?

Secrecy is the intentional concealment of information from the public, often for national security purposes. However, democracy thrives on transparency and accountability, requiring the public to have access to information to make informed decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to effectively regulate social media in a democratic society?

Regulating social media in a democratic society presents significant challenges, as it requires striking a delicate balance between protecting free speech, combating misinformation, and ensuring public safety without undermining individual liberties and diverse perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'territorial integrity norm'?

The territorial integrity norm refers to the international principle that states have the right to maintain their defined borders and territories, free from external interference or aggression. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main concerns associated with the concept of declinism?

Declinism can have a harmful impact on a country's morale and its ability to act effectively on the world stage. It fuels negativity, discourages proactive policies, and promotes a sense of helplessness, potentially leading to a decline in national confidence and international influence. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Leader's personality impact

Leader's personality traits significantly affect outcomes, especially in new institutions, situations with limited constraints, and crises, where interpretations and responses differ.

Rational actor assumption

Assumes leaders' decisions are rational reflections of the state's interests, implying a single decision-maker.

Risk propensity

A fixed personality trait characterizing a leader's willingness to take risks.

Prospect theory

Risk perception depends on context; people are more willing to make risky choices to recover losses than to make gains.