Globalization of World Politics Quiz

Questions and Answers

What was a significant factor that contributed to the great divergence between East and West in the nineteenth century?

A decline in imperialism by European nations

Global intensification in the circulation of ideas (correct)

Reduction in global trade activities

Increased isolationist policies by European powers

How did Western advancements during the great divergence occur?

Through the dominance of Eastern powers

Solely through domestic innovations

Through the emulation of non-Western technologies (correct)

By avoiding interactions with other cultures

What was one of the key dynamics linked to the great divergence?

The establishment of trade colonies by Asian empires

An increase in agricultural practices across Europe

A decrease in global population growth

Industrialization in the West leading to deindustrialization elsewhere (correct)

Which characteristic became prevalent among states during the emergence of modern international order?

Abstract bureaucracies organizing state functions Signup and view all the answers

What role did European powers play in trade during the great divergence?

They assumed control over the trade of many commodities coercively Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the contemporary international order?

It is influenced primarily by Western ideas and institutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which event marks the beginning of the principle of ‘sovereign territoriality’ in historical accounts?

The Peace of Westphalia Signup and view all the answers

Critics of the Westphalian narrative argue that:

Westphalia set limits to the principle of sovereignty established in 1555. Signup and view all the answers

According to recent scholarship, when did the modern international order start to take shape?

In the last two centuries. Signup and view all the answers

What significant aspect of 'The West' is highlighted in the content?

Its recent emergence over the past two or three centuries. Signup and view all the answers

Historical accounts tracing international orders often start from which ancient civilization?

Sumer Signup and view all the answers

How do alternative views of the starting points of international orders differ from traditional views?

They stress other forms of regularized exchanges. Signup and view all the answers

What does the notion of 'regularized practices of exchange' refer to in the context of international orders?

Established and recognized exchanges between political entities. Signup and view all the answers

What key challenge arose after the collapse of the Soviet Union?

Securing control of nuclear weapons Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the Cold War period from 1944 to 1989?

An ideological divide between East and West Signup and view all the answers

What was a major focus of the Clinton administration regarding foreign policy?

Economic engagement with Europe Signup and view all the answers

In the post-Cold War era, how was Europe's political landscape initially perceived?

Optimistic with open borders and democracy Signup and view all the answers

What was a potential debate surrounding Europe's future after the Cold War?

Setting up European security arrangements or staying tied to the US Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary issues related to the emergence of former Soviet states?

Displacement of ethnic Russians abroad Signup and view all the answers

What was the major security dilemma faced by the superpowers during the Cold War?

The arms race between the USA and USSR Signup and view all the answers

In what aspect did Europe exhibit weaknesses after the Cold War?

Weaker military capability Signup and view all the answers

What was the main economic engine in post-cold war Asia?

China Signup and view all the answers

What major event in 2001 marked a turning point in modern international relations?

The 9/11 attacks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a result of the Arab Spring?

Heightened instabilities threatening the region Signup and view all the answers

What motivated many people from the new global South to migrate to the North?

Frustration with corruption and instability Signup and view all the answers

What characterized Obama’s foreign policy?

Emphasis on soft power Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Third World political project?

Corruption and instability undermining its goals Signup and view all the answers

What did Trump's foreign policy primarily focus on?

Skepticism of globalization Signup and view all the answers

What was a major criticism of the Bush administration’s war of choice in Iraq?

Its effectiveness in achieving strategic goals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT indicated as a sign of a ‘new’ cold war?

Economic partnerships with the European Union Signup and view all the answers

What has characterized the rise of nationalist or populist politics since 2008?

Identification of elites and immigrants as threats Signup and view all the answers

According to proponents of an Asian century, what is expected to happen by mid-century?

Asia’s GDP will exceed that of the US and EU combined Signup and view all the answers

What is one argument against the idea that the 21st century will be Asian?

The Western countries still possess significant global power Signup and view all the answers

Which event is associated with the rise of populism in the US?

Election of Donald Trump Signup and view all the answers

What factor do critics argue is necessary to differentiate the current tensions from the Cold War?

The absence of ideological conflict Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the criticisms of globalization expressed by populists?

It fosters international cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What is viewed as a challenge to the economic security of countries by populists?

Immigrants and refugees Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Great Divergence

Occurred between East and West in the nineteenth century, driven by intensified global interdependence.
European imperialism played a crucial role; powers controlled trade coercively.
Western advancements stemmed from the fusion of non-Western ideas and technologies.

Emergence of Modern International Order

Industrialization expanded the world market, leading to increased power accumulation while deindustrializing other regions.
States were organized by abstract bureaucracies, exerting greater control over their territory's use of force.
Modern international orders are practices of exchange among politically recognized units, only fully globalized in the last two centuries.

The Concept of 'The West'

Defined as Europe (especially Northern and Western) and the Americas, particularly the U.S.
The rise of Western dominance is a recent phenomenon, with roots in international processes from the last 200-300 years.

Historical International Orders

Some origins trace back to Sumer, but a pivotal point is the 1648 Peace of Westphalia, which introduced sovereign territoriality.
Critiques highlight that Westphalia was regional, offered limited gains, and had restrictions on sovereignty.
Alternative perspectives suggest the modern international order emerged from the interdependence of regional systems over the past 200 years.

The Cold War Era (1944-1989)

Dominated by the superpowers USA and USSR, leading to a global ideological divide.
An arms race created a security dilemma, resulting in a unique stability from concentrated conflicts.
Few anticipated the end of this bipolar structure.

Post-Soviet Era and U.S. Dominance

The collapse of the Soviet Union established the U.S. as the primary global power.
The Clinton administration pushed for economic engagement and NATO enlargement.
Challenges included managing former Soviet nuclear weapons and defining relationships with former Soviet states.

Europe's Development

Initial optimism for united Europe with open borders and democratic institutions faced challenges.
Key debates focused on security arrangements, the role of the nation-state, and the EU's economic involvement.
EU enlargement occurred despite military weaknesses, leading to issues like Brexit and migration.

Asia's Stability and Growth

Post-WWII Asia was marred by conflict, but the post-Cold War era has been relatively peaceful.
Despite predictions of instability, Asia experienced significant economic development and institution-building, notably ASEAN.
China's economic rise has contributed to regional tensions.

The Global South

Influenced by Cold War dynamics, the Third World aimed for genuine independence from Western influence.
Corruption and imposed structural reforms created burdens and resentment, fueling migration to the North.

Post-9/11 Dynamics

The 9/11 attacks marked a significant turning point in international relations, altering defense strategies.
The Afghan War was seen as a legitimate response, whereas the Iraq War is viewed as a strategic mistake.
The Arab Spring introduced instability, particularly evident in Syria.

Transition from Obama to Trump

Obama's presidency emerged from public dissatisfaction with the Iraq War and the 2008 economic crisis.
His foreign policy aimed to restore U.S. soft power and shift focus toward Asia.
Trump's administration embraced nationalism, challenging globalization and raising doubts about U.S. global leadership.

Case Studies: Russia and the West

Signs of a 'new cold war' emerge with Russian military actions and cyberwarfare.
Critics argue modern tensions differ from the historical U.S.-USSR conflict due to their ideological underpinnings.

Populism and Globalization

Since the 2008 financial crisis, nationalist movements have risen, viewing elites and immigrants as threats.
The election of Trump and Brexit exemplify challenges to the liberal world order.

Future of Global Dynamics: Asia vs. the West

Proponents of an "Asian century" argue that Asia's GDP will surpass that of the U.S. and EU by mid-century.
Counterarguments point to Asia's dependency on the Western economic model.
Unique identities in Asia's countries exist, but lack a cohesive regional identity.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts of international orders and their evolution in world history. This quiz is based on Baylis, Smith & Owens' 'The Globalization of World Politics' and explores the implications of global political exchanges in the modern context.