General Study Notes Quiz

Wars between countries that have a huge impact on the shape of modern states and the world.

Conflict within a country between organized groups; a form of war.

"Sustained, coordinated violence between political organizations."

War is a means to achieve political objectives, even when violence is involved.

War is a political object.

War significantly alters the structure and role of governments within societies.

All injuries and deaths from war, totaled together.

Difficulties in accurately understanding the prevalence and types of violence in hunter-gatherer societies due to limited or biased historical data.

The idea that violence and aggression might serve a purpose in human evolution, such as promoting survival or reproduction.

Long-term patterns in war suggest it's becoming less common, and possibly less violent.

Violence among early human societies, studied through archeological evidence and by examining hunter-gatherer societies.

Evolutionary preference that favors the survival and reproduction of relatives (kin), often observed in hunter-gatherer societies.

The idea that perceived scarcity of women in some hunter-gatherer societies might influence conflict or social structures.

A historical framework categorizing human societies based on the tools they used (Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age).

Differences in organization and governance between societies without states (e.g., hunter-gatherer) and those with states (e.g., ancient empires).

The theory about whether the rise of states (Leviathan) led to reduced violence compared to pre-state societies.

The three fundamental structures of international relations: World Imperial, Feudal, and Anarchic systems of states.

A theory in international relations that emphasizes power as the primary motivator in state interactions.

A distribution of power among states to prevent any one state from becoming too dominant.

System of relations between European powers in the 1800s that tried to maintain peace through negotiation and alliances.

Reasons why the balance of power system in Europe collapsed leading to World War 1.

The immense loss of life and suffering caused by World War 1.

An economic theory emphasizing a nation's wealth through accumulating gold and silver via trade surpluses.

A policy of glorifying military power and maintaining a strong armed force.

Advancements in technology such as railroads, steamships, and weapons that significantly affected World War 1 strategies and outcomes.

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Possible advantages stemming from violent behavior in evolutionary terms, though not necessarily justifying or condoning such actions.

Motivations behind conflicts among hunter-gatherer societies. These can include competition for resources, territory disputes, and revenge.

A lack of essential resources like food, water, or land, potentially leading to conflict among hunter-gatherers.

A situation where actions taken by one group to enhance its safety can inadvertently increase insecurity for others, leading to a cycle of conflict.

A type of conflict where one side has significant advantages or disadvantages compared to the other. This can influence tactics and strategies.

The high level of casualty rates or violence seen among hunter-gatherer societies.

Arguments questioning the validity of theories attributing violence to inherent human nature or evolutionary rewards.

Interconnected political and economic structures involving numerous countries or states that influence their actions.

A 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union in 1962 over Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba. It is considered the closest the world has come to nuclear war.

The first artificial satellite to orbit Earth, launched by the Soviet Union in 1957. It marked a significant milestone in the Space Race and fueled fears of Soviet technological superiority in the United States.

A perception in the late 1950s that the Soviet Union had a significantly larger and more advanced nuclear arsenal than the United States. Although exaggerated, this perception fueled US efforts to increase its nuclear capabilities.

The 'Single Integrated Operational Plan' of 1962, a detailed plan for a full-scale US nuclear attack on the Soviet Union and its allies in the event of war.

A Soviet system designed to launch a nuclear strike in the event of a catastrophic attack on the USSR, even if the Soviet leadership was incapacitated. This system was designed to ensure retaliation even in a post-apocalyptic scenario.

A nuclear arms reduction treaty signed by the United States and Russia in 2010, aimed at reducing the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles. This treaty succeeded the START I and START II treaties, and it has been extended until 2026.

Nuclear weapons designed for battlefield use, with much lower yields than strategic nuclear weapons. These weapons are intended to be used in battles and on specific targets, rather than for a general nuclear attack.

Efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons to countries that do not currently possess them. This includes treaties, international organizations, and other measures aimed at minimizing the number of nuclear-armed states.

Sustained, coordinated violence between political organizations.

War is a political tool, a continuation of politics by other means.

Violence must be ongoing, not just a single event, to be classified as war.

War is between groups, not individuals, and often involves governments or other groups with organized power.

Violence is a means to achieve goals, whether political, economic, or ideological.

The difficulty in assessing violence among hunter-gatherers due to the impact of contact with other cultures.

The study of how human behavior, including violence, is shaped by evolutionary processes.

Sigmund Freud's idea that humans have an innate aggressive drive.

Evolutionary theory suggests violence can be a tool for survival, resource acquisition, or dominance.

A system where countries agree to work together to stop any member from being attacked. If one is attacked, all will defend it.

To prevent future wars by establishing a system where countries would cooperate and solve disputes peacefully.

It lacked the power to enforce its decisions and couldn't stop powerful countries from pursuing aggressive actions.

A period after the Cold War where relations between countries improved and cooperation on global issues increased.

The distribution of power among states, ensuring no single state becomes too dominant.

A strategy used by states to maintain stability by forming alliances and adjusting their power to counter threats.

A system of alliances and diplomatic efforts among European states in the 1800s to prevent major wars and maintain a stable power balance.

The balance of power system crumbled due to factors like: rising nationalism, increasing industrialization, colonial rivalries, and new alliances that shifted power dynamics.

A belief in the 19th century that European nations had a duty to civilize and control non-European peoples, often used to justify imperialism.

An international treaty that prohibits the development, testing, production, stockpiling, and use of nuclear weapons. It aims to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.

The countries that have signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, indicating their intention to uphold its provisions.

The countries that have not only signed the TPNW but have also completed the necessary legal processes to make it legally binding within their own legal systems.

A significant and often violent upheaval that aims to transform a society's political institutions, authority, and power structures. It involves widespread mobilization and challenges to the existing regime.

Traditional explanations for revolutions, like poverty or inequality, are insufficient because they don't fully account for why some societies experience revolutions while others with similar conditions do not.

The factors that create the underlying conditions for a revolution, such as widespread grievances, discontent, and a feeling of injustice among the population.

The factors that create the chance for a revolution to succeed, such as a weakened government, internal divisions within the ruling elite, or opportunities for mobilization.

The long-term consequences of a revolution, including the success or failure of achieving the desired goals, the new political and social structures that emerge, and the overall impact on the country.

The ways in which international factors, such as global economic trends, military alliances, and external interventions, can contribute to or hinder revolutions.

The complex dynamic between the state (government) and the ruling elite (powerful groups) that can influence the likelihood of a revolution. A strong state-elite alliance can suppress revolutions, while weak relationships make them more likely.