Podcast
Questions and Answers
The lack of an international sovereign hinders states from achieving mutual objectives.
The lack of an international sovereign hinders states from achieving mutual objectives.
True (A)
The absence of international laws encourages states to engage in actions that are detrimental to their collective well-being.
The absence of international laws encourages states to engage in actions that are detrimental to their collective well-being.
True (A)
In the "Stag Hunt" analogy, the most favorable outcome for all players is for everyone to cooperate in trapping the stag.
In the "Stag Hunt" analogy, the most favorable outcome for all players is for everyone to cooperate in trapping the stag.
True (A)
The "Stag Hunt" analogy suggests that states are inherently self-interested and incapable of genuine cooperation.
The "Stag Hunt" analogy suggests that states are inherently self-interested and incapable of genuine cooperation.
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The text argues that the condition of anarchy is inherently destabilizing and inevitably leads to conflict.
The text argues that the condition of anarchy is inherently destabilizing and inevitably leads to conflict.
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A world in which the prevailing international system is valued in its own right, not only because most states restrain their ambitions but also because of the decreased chances that status-quo states will engage in unnecessary conflict out of the quest for security, is likely to decrease the chances of peace.
A world in which the prevailing international system is valued in its own right, not only because most states restrain their ambitions but also because of the decreased chances that status-quo states will engage in unnecessary conflict out of the quest for security, is likely to decrease the chances of peace.
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A complete faith in collective security would render unnecessary the need for any state to have an army.
A complete faith in collective security would render unnecessary the need for any state to have an army.
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The text states that the security dilemma is solvable when each state fears that many others, far from coming to its aid, are likely to join in any attack.
The text states that the security dilemma is solvable when each state fears that many others, far from coming to its aid, are likely to join in any attack.
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Winston Churchill, as First Lord of the Admiralty, argued that smaller states should not build great ships of war.
Winston Churchill, as First Lord of the Admiralty, argued that smaller states should not build great ships of war.
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It is easy for a single state to protect itself from an attack by several neighbors.
It is easy for a single state to protect itself from an attack by several neighbors.
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A state's expectation that allies will be available and that only a few others will be able to join against it is an unnecessary condition for security requirements to be compatible.
A state's expectation that allies will be available and that only a few others will be able to join against it is an unnecessary condition for security requirements to be compatible.
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The main costs of a policy of reacting quickly and severely to increases in the other's arms are the price of one's own arms.
The main costs of a policy of reacting quickly and severely to increases in the other's arms are the price of one's own arms.
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The text argues that the greater the costs of a policy of reacting quickly and severely to increases in the other's arms, the less the incentives to try cooperation.
The text argues that the greater the costs of a policy of reacting quickly and severely to increases in the other's arms, the less the incentives to try cooperation.
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Wars would be less frequent if they were less risky and costly and if peaceful intercourse did not provide rich benefits.
Wars would be less frequent if they were less risky and costly and if peaceful intercourse did not provide rich benefits.
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The text states that Ethiopia recently asked for guarantees that the Territory of Afars and Issas would not join a hostile alliance against it when it gained independence because the railroad linking the two countries is a sufficient guarantee of peace.
The text states that Ethiopia recently asked for guarantees that the Territory of Afars and Issas would not join a hostile alliance against it when it gained independence because the railroad linking the two countries is a sufficient guarantee of peace.
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The text states that statesmen are likely to hesitate before entering a war, even if everything they see points to a quick victory.
The text states that statesmen are likely to hesitate before entering a war, even if everything they see points to a quick victory.
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The text argues that the domestic costs of wars should be ignored when making decisions about whether to engage in war.
The text argues that the domestic costs of wars should be ignored when making decisions about whether to engage in war.
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The text states that the gains from economic exchange among states with large and diverse economies are always sufficient to prevent war.
The text states that the gains from economic exchange among states with large and diverse economies are always sufficient to prevent war.
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The text argues that the gains from cooperation can be decreased if each side comes to value the other's well-being positively.
The text argues that the gains from cooperation can be decreased if each side comes to value the other's well-being positively.
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A large power is less likely to retreat in a conflict than a small power, due to the perceived vulnerability of retreat.
A large power is less likely to retreat in a conflict than a small power, due to the perceived vulnerability of retreat.
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The security dilemma is present in both international politics and the Stag Hunt.
The security dilemma is present in both international politics and the Stag Hunt.
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In domestic society, measures taken to increase personal security are always effective and convenient.
In domestic society, measures taken to increase personal security are always effective and convenient.
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The British policy on naval disarmament in the interwar period aimed to ensure Japan's security by reducing the size of Britain's navy.
The British policy on naval disarmament in the interwar period aimed to ensure Japan's security by reducing the size of Britain's navy.
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Germany's decision to build a powerful navy prior to World War I was solely motivated by defensive intentions.
Germany's decision to build a powerful navy prior to World War I was solely motivated by defensive intentions.
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The British Navy, regardless of its intended purpose, could be used as a tool of coercion against other countries.
The British Navy, regardless of its intended purpose, could be used as a tool of coercion against other countries.
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A key question addressed in the text is why all nations have not perished due to the security dilemma.
A key question addressed in the text is why all nations have not perished due to the security dilemma.
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The Prisoner's Dilemma and the Stag Hunt are identical in terms of their game theory dynamics.
The Prisoner's Dilemma and the Stag Hunt are identical in terms of their game theory dynamics.
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In the Prisoner's Dilemma, it is always rational to defect, regardless of the number of rounds played.
In the Prisoner's Dilemma, it is always rational to defect, regardless of the number of rounds played.
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The Prisoner's Dilemma and the Stag Hunt both offer incentives to defect from a coalition.
The Prisoner's Dilemma and the Stag Hunt both offer incentives to defect from a coalition.
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In the context of international politics, reducing the gains associated with taking advantage of another actor can increase the likelihood of cooperation.
In the context of international politics, reducing the gains associated with taking advantage of another actor can increase the likelihood of cooperation.
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The likelihood of achieving mutual cooperation increases when each side believes the other will act in a cooperative manner.
The likelihood of achieving mutual cooperation increases when each side believes the other will act in a cooperative manner.
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Increasing the costs associated with mutual noncooperation can encourage cooperation.
Increasing the costs associated with mutual noncooperation can encourage cooperation.
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Experimental evidence supports the idea that repeated play in the Prisoner's Dilemma makes cooperation between actors more likely.
Experimental evidence supports the idea that repeated play in the Prisoner's Dilemma makes cooperation between actors more likely.
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Robert Axelrod's work, 'Conflict of Interest,' provides evidence to support the argument that cooperation is more likely in repeated Prisoner's Dilemma games.
Robert Axelrod's work, 'Conflict of Interest,' provides evidence to support the argument that cooperation is more likely in repeated Prisoner's Dilemma games.
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The ease with which a state can be destroyed is inversely proportional to its vulnerability to exploitation.
The ease with which a state can be destroyed is inversely proportional to its vulnerability to exploitation.
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The security dilemma is less impactful when states have similar ideologies.
The security dilemma is less impactful when states have similar ideologies.
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The cost of CD is higher for a state that is able to choose its actions after an opponent has acted.
The cost of CD is higher for a state that is able to choose its actions after an opponent has acted.
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A strong sense of subjective security is always beneficial for a state.
A strong sense of subjective security is always beneficial for a state.
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The security dilemma is more pronounced when states see each other as potential adversaries.
The security dilemma is more pronounced when states see each other as potential adversaries.
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If Russia builds a railway to Seistan, it is expected to provide a defensive advantage for Russia.
If Russia builds a railway to Seistan, it is expected to provide a defensive advantage for Russia.
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A higher cost of CD results in a more aggressive approach to international relations.
A higher cost of CD results in a more aggressive approach to international relations.
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Building a railway to Seistan is considered a financially costly endeavor.
Building a railway to Seistan is considered a financially costly endeavor.
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A state's vulnerability and its perception of threat are always aligned.
A state's vulnerability and its perception of threat are always aligned.
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The concept of the Stag Hunt is used as an analogy to demonstrate a scenario where an actor is likely to defect.
The concept of the Stag Hunt is used as an analogy to demonstrate a scenario where an actor is likely to defect.
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States that can afford to be cheated in a bargain are more susceptible to predatory actions by others.
States that can afford to be cheated in a bargain are more susceptible to predatory actions by others.
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If both Russia and the other country create railways to Seistan, the advantage would be in the hands of the unnamed country due to its defensive nature.
If both Russia and the other country create railways to Seistan, the advantage would be in the hands of the unnamed country due to its defensive nature.
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The presence of a functioning collective security system can influence a state's perception of threat.
The presence of a functioning collective security system can influence a state's perception of threat.
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The text explicitly mentions that building a railway is seen as a key way to increase a country's defensive strength.
The text explicitly mentions that building a railway is seen as a key way to increase a country's defensive strength.
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The security dilemma is not a factor in situations where states have a common interest.
The security dilemma is not a factor in situations where states have a common interest.
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The development of the H-bomb was motivated by the fear that Russia was going to gain a significant advantage in nuclear technology.
The development of the H-bomb was motivated by the fear that Russia was going to gain a significant advantage in nuclear technology.
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The decision to build a railway to Seistan is primarily influenced by potential economic benefits.
The decision to build a railway to Seistan is primarily influenced by potential economic benefits.
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According to Adam Smith, a nation's vulnerability to attack is directly proportional to its economic prosperity.
According to Adam Smith, a nation's vulnerability to attack is directly proportional to its economic prosperity.
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A state's willingness to forgo other values to achieve security is inversely related to its perception of threat.
A state's willingness to forgo other values to achieve security is inversely related to its perception of threat.
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The costs of DD refer to the consequences of failing to cooperate with other states.
The costs of DD refer to the consequences of failing to cooperate with other states.
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The cost of conflict is a significant factor influencing the impact of the security dilemma.
The cost of conflict is a significant factor influencing the impact of the security dilemma.
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The text suggests that the concept of a 'Stag Hunt' is a useful model to understand strategic choices regarding the railway to Seistan.
The text suggests that the concept of a 'Stag Hunt' is a useful model to understand strategic choices regarding the railway to Seistan.
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The unnamed country's decision to build a railway to Seistan is partly based on their perception of Russia's potential future actions.
The unnamed country's decision to build a railway to Seistan is partly based on their perception of Russia's potential future actions.
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The costs of CD are lower for states that are able to defend themselves effectively.
The costs of CD are lower for states that are able to defend themselves effectively.
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The security dilemma is only applicable to states with significant economic and military capabilities.
The security dilemma is only applicable to states with significant economic and military capabilities.
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States with a high level of subjective security are more likely to engage in arms races.
States with a high level of subjective security are more likely to engage in arms races.
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The author explicitly states that the decision to build a railway to Seistan is a purely rational one.
The author explicitly states that the decision to build a railway to Seistan is a purely rational one.
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The contrasting policies of Britain and Austria after the Napoleonic Wars illustrate the idea of an advantage in geographic isolation.
The contrasting policies of Britain and Austria after the Napoleonic Wars illustrate the idea of an advantage in geographic isolation.
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The security dilemma is more pronounced in situations where the states have a history of conflict.
The security dilemma is more pronounced in situations where the states have a history of conflict.
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The pursuit of security by one state can lead to unintended consequences and a potential escalation of conflict.
The pursuit of security by one state can lead to unintended consequences and a potential escalation of conflict.
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The Congress system, as advocated by Austria, aimed to provide a relatively tight framework for regulating international disputes.
The Congress system, as advocated by Austria, aimed to provide a relatively tight framework for regulating international disputes.
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The text implies that a state's ability to resist being cheated in a bargain is a significant factor in achieving security.
The text implies that a state's ability to resist being cheated in a bargain is a significant factor in achieving security.
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The cost of defecting in a Prisoner's Dilemma is always higher than the cost of cooperating.
The cost of defecting in a Prisoner's Dilemma is always higher than the cost of cooperating.
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The text argues that Metternich believed in fully intervening in the internal affairs of smaller states.
The text argues that Metternich believed in fully intervening in the internal affairs of smaller states.
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The security dilemma is a major contributor to international stability.
The security dilemma is a major contributor to international stability.
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The text describes 'buffer zones' as a strategic tool exclusively used to control territory and resources.
The text describes 'buffer zones' as a strategic tool exclusively used to control territory and resources.
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The ability of a state to survive a surprise attack makes it more secure but can be used to threaten other states.
The ability of a state to survive a surprise attack makes it more secure but can be used to threaten other states.
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Balfour suggests that the pursuit of security through territorial expansion is a continuous and unsustainable process.
Balfour suggests that the pursuit of security through territorial expansion is a continuous and unsustainable process.
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The ultimate cost of CD is a state's vulnerability to attack.
The ultimate cost of CD is a state's vulnerability to attack.
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The security dilemma can be entirely eliminated through increased communication and transparency.
The security dilemma can be entirely eliminated through increased communication and transparency.
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The security dilemma is a modern concept and does not apply to historical conflicts.
The security dilemma is a modern concept and does not apply to historical conflicts.
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The text argues that the pursuit of greater international power always leads to increased responsibilities and commitment for the state.
The text argues that the pursuit of greater international power always leads to increased responsibilities and commitment for the state.
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A state's ability to act after another has already chosen its course of action is a decisive factor in reducing the security dilemma.
A state's ability to act after another has already chosen its course of action is a decisive factor in reducing the security dilemma.
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The text implies that nations are often forced to take actions contrary to their core values in order to secure their interests.
The text implies that nations are often forced to take actions contrary to their core values in order to secure their interests.
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The author presents a strong and unified perspective on the need for both Russia and the unnamed country to build railways to Seistan.
The author presents a strong and unified perspective on the need for both Russia and the unnamed country to build railways to Seistan.
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A state can exploit another state by threatening to disrupt their cooperative relationship if its demands are not met.
A state can exploit another state by threatening to disrupt their cooperative relationship if its demands are not met.
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The potential gains from exploitation are always significant, making states highly inclined to act in their own self-interest.
The potential gains from exploitation are always significant, making states highly inclined to act in their own self-interest.
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States can be tempted to expand their power even if they are already satisfied with their current situation.
States can be tempted to expand their power even if they are already satisfied with their current situation.
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States can reduce the risk of being exploited by demonstrating they are not a threat to others.
States can reduce the risk of being exploited by demonstrating they are not a threat to others.
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The costs of victory can deter states from engaging in exploitation.
The costs of victory can deter states from engaging in exploitation.
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The international community always actively condemns acts of state exploitation.
The international community always actively condemns acts of state exploitation.
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A state can increase the chances of cooperation by making itself more vulnerable.
A state can increase the chances of cooperation by making itself more vulnerable.
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Historians generally agree on the reasons for the collapse of the Franco-British entente.
Historians generally agree on the reasons for the collapse of the Franco-British entente.
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De Gaulle's use of threats to break up the Common Market was unsuccessful.
De Gaulle's use of threats to break up the Common Market was unsuccessful.
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In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, some American defense analysts believed that the Soviets developing hardened missiles would be detrimental to both sides.
In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, some American defense analysts believed that the Soviets developing hardened missiles would be detrimental to both sides.
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States can always effectively coerce other states by making the worst outcome for them one of deadlock (DD).
States can always effectively coerce other states by making the worst outcome for them one of deadlock (DD).
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Exploitation can potentially lead to a future where the state is viewed as a menace by other states.
Exploitation can potentially lead to a future where the state is viewed as a menace by other states.
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Bismarck’s attempts to maintain the status quo after 1871 were aided by the trust other powers placed in him.
Bismarck’s attempts to maintain the status quo after 1871 were aided by the trust other powers placed in him.
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A state’s best strategy for promoting cooperation is to focus on maximizing the benefits it can receive from cooperation.
A state’s best strategy for promoting cooperation is to focus on maximizing the benefits it can receive from cooperation.
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A state should strive to make itself more vulnerable to ensure its ability to coerce another.
A state should strive to make itself more vulnerable to ensure its ability to coerce another.
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Britain and France believed that interwar Germany posed an enormous threat to peace.
Britain and France believed that interwar Germany posed an enormous threat to peace.
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Blitzkrieg tactics were necessary for Germany to change the status quo during World War II.
Blitzkrieg tactics were necessary for Germany to change the status quo during World War II.
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The military posture of the Allies was seen as a significant danger to Germany during the interwar period.
The military posture of the Allies was seen as a significant danger to Germany during the interwar period.
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The introduction of new air tactics was seen as a major factor in breaking the stalemate on the Western Front during World War II.
The introduction of new air tactics was seen as a major factor in breaking the stalemate on the Western Front during World War II.
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The economic pressures led to an increase in defense budgets during the interwar period.
The economic pressures led to an increase in defense budgets during the interwar period.
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When the offense has the advantage, the chances of war decrease.
When the offense has the advantage, the chances of war decrease.
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The security dilemma can lead to tragic outcomes in situations like police encounters with suspected criminals.
The security dilemma can lead to tragic outcomes in situations like police encounters with suspected criminals.
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When the defense has the advantage, states are more likely to prepare for an attack rather than preemptively strike.
When the defense has the advantage, states are more likely to prepare for an attack rather than preemptively strike.
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Wars are likely to be costly and prolonged when the defense is dominant.
Wars are likely to be costly and prolonged when the defense is dominant.
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States tend to react slowly to increases in each other's arms when they expect wars to be frequent and short.
States tend to react slowly to increases in each other's arms when they expect wars to be frequent and short.
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A state can increase its security without provoking other states.
A state can increase its security without provoking other states.
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Frequent wars encourage cooperation among status-quo states.
Frequent wars encourage cooperation among status-quo states.
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A state can achieve security without menacing others by being relatively self-sufficient.
A state can achieve security without menacing others by being relatively self-sufficient.
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The acquisition of colonies generally makes a country more secure by reducing its neighbors' threats.
The acquisition of colonies generally makes a country more secure by reducing its neighbors' threats.
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States with similar military capabilities are more likely to engage in conflict.
States with similar military capabilities are more likely to engage in conflict.
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Japan's ability to protect itself played no role in resisting American threats before World War II.
Japan's ability to protect itself played no role in resisting American threats before World War II.
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The concept of a security dilemma only applies to international relations and not to domestic scenarios.
The concept of a security dilemma only applies to international relations and not to domestic scenarios.
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The need to maintain reliable sea lanes can create new fears and security requirements for a state.
The need to maintain reliable sea lanes can create new fears and security requirements for a state.
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The likelihood of conflict increases when states misperceive the intentions of each other.
The likelihood of conflict increases when states misperceive the intentions of each other.
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The increase in defensive capabilities of one state does not affect the security perceptions of neighboring states.
The increase in defensive capabilities of one state does not affect the security perceptions of neighboring states.
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To maintain security, states must protect only their territorial interests.
To maintain security, states must protect only their territorial interests.
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If a country feels threatened, it is likely to view other countries' security as a potential risk to its own interests.
If a country feels threatened, it is likely to view other countries' security as a potential risk to its own interests.
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A state can benefit from cooperation even in a bipole war context.
A state can benefit from cooperation even in a bipole war context.
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Historical examples show that offensive strategies often result in prolonged warfare and significant costs.
Historical examples show that offensive strategies often result in prolonged warfare and significant costs.
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All status-quo powers are likely to interpret their interests and security values in compatible ways.
All status-quo powers are likely to interpret their interests and security values in compatible ways.
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The belief that a secure state may act against one's own state’s interests can fuel further insecurity.
The belief that a secure state may act against one's own state’s interests can fuel further insecurity.
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Defensive strategies often require a state to adopt offensive measures for strategic reasons.
Defensive strategies often require a state to adopt offensive measures for strategic reasons.
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Britain's desire for security without menacing others changed after it took control of India.
Britain's desire for security without menacing others changed after it took control of India.
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Warfare is always the best solution to security dilemmas faced by states.
Warfare is always the best solution to security dilemmas faced by states.
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The phrase 'security means more than just defending territory' reflects a broader view of national security.
The phrase 'security means more than just defending territory' reflects a broader view of national security.
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A country's security is less likely to conflict with others if all nations share similar values and norms.
A country's security is less likely to conflict with others if all nations share similar values and norms.
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A minister's belief that 'what stops growing begins to rot' suggests that security requires constant expansion.
A minister's belief that 'what stops growing begins to rot' suggests that security requires constant expansion.
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A military offensive can help a nation achieve its defensive political objective.
A military offensive can help a nation achieve its defensive political objective.
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A nation's security increases when it prioritizes defensive weapons over offensive ones.
A nation's security increases when it prioritizes defensive weapons over offensive ones.
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The offense is always more advantageous than the defense when it comes to military strategy.
The offense is always more advantageous than the defense when it comes to military strategy.
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When defensive policies are effective, states are less likely to seek aggressive policies.
When defensive policies are effective, states are less likely to seek aggressive policies.
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A significant increase in one state's security always leads to a major decrease in the security of other states.
A significant increase in one state's security always leads to a major decrease in the security of other states.
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The dominance of defense made it difficult for Britain to remove Germany from France during World War I.
The dominance of defense made it difficult for Britain to remove Germany from France during World War I.
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Status-quo states can increase their security without endangering others when defense has a significant advantage.
Status-quo states can increase their security without endangering others when defense has a significant advantage.
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In an arms race, if defense is more costly than offense, both sides will likely build offensive forces.
In an arms race, if defense is more costly than offense, both sides will likely build offensive forces.
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Many American decision makers believe that Russia may fear American aggression.
Many American decision makers believe that Russia may fear American aggression.
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Forty percent of military officers do not consider the Soviet Union's motivations to be primarily defensive.
Forty percent of military officers do not consider the Soviet Union's motivations to be primarily defensive.
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International anarchy becomes less significant if states cannot conquer each other.
International anarchy becomes less significant if states cannot conquer each other.
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Status-quo powers may act aggressively when they perceive expansion as their only means to security.
Status-quo powers may act aggressively when they perceive expansion as their only means to security.
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Decision makers often think that the money spent on arms is the only cost associated with building military strength.
Decision makers often think that the money spent on arms is the only cost associated with building military strength.
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Defensive strategies are only effective when all states have equal military capabilities.
Defensive strategies are only effective when all states have equal military capabilities.
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If two states misunderstand the security dilemma, it is likely they will experience less conflict than the objective situation warrants.
If two states misunderstand the security dilemma, it is likely they will experience less conflict than the objective situation warrants.
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It is often believed that increasing military strength guarantees greater security.
It is often believed that increasing military strength guarantees greater security.
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A state's decision to go to war depends largely on its perception of its neighbors' intentions.
A state's decision to go to war depends largely on its perception of its neighbors' intentions.
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Building a strong defense has no impact on international cooperation among states.
Building a strong defense has no impact on international cooperation among states.
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Decision makers are likely to see adopting conciliatory policies as beneficial for achieving security.
Decision makers are likely to see adopting conciliatory policies as beneficial for achieving security.
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Geography can complicate the security needs of states, making it difficult to achieve mutual security.
Geography can complicate the security needs of states, making it difficult to achieve mutual security.
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After World War I, France was less concerned about its commitments to Eastern Europe.
After World War I, France was less concerned about its commitments to Eastern Europe.
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Strategic nuclear weapons do not pose any potential threat to the Soviet Union's ability to maintain the status quo.
Strategic nuclear weapons do not pose any potential threat to the Soviet Union's ability to maintain the status quo.
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Germany faced additional security challenges due to its hostile relations with both France and Russia before World War I.
Germany faced additional security challenges due to its hostile relations with both France and Russia before World War I.
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Security requirements of states are always completely compatible with each other.
Security requirements of states are always completely compatible with each other.
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A credible commitment to retaliate significantly increases a state's security requirements.
A credible commitment to retaliate significantly increases a state's security requirements.
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The Schlieffen Plan was Germany's strategy to defend against both France and Russia simultaneously.
The Schlieffen Plan was Germany's strategy to defend against both France and Russia simultaneously.
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A state that is isolated is always more secure than one that is surrounded by rivals.
A state that is isolated is always more secure than one that is surrounded by rivals.
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High defense budgets sharply reacted to increases on the same side during the Franco-Prussian War.
High defense budgets sharply reacted to increases on the same side during the Franco-Prussian War.
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Decision makers believed that the next European war would be low in cost.
Decision makers believed that the next European war would be low in cost.
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The analysis suggests that both offensive and defensive incentives existed for states during the lead-up to war.
The analysis suggests that both offensive and defensive incentives existed for states during the lead-up to war.
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The belief that moving first in war would lead to victory was widely held before World War I.
The belief that moving first in war would lead to victory was widely held before World War I.
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Trenches and machine guns gave the offensive an overwhelming advantage in World War I.
Trenches and machine guns gave the offensive an overwhelming advantage in World War I.
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The hope for breakthroughs during the war influenced political decisions to continue fighting.
The hope for breakthroughs during the war influenced political decisions to continue fighting.
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Painful memories of previous conflicts influenced the politics of the interwar period.
Painful memories of previous conflicts influenced the politics of the interwar period.
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The text indicates that both sides could have rushed to their own trenches instead of attacking.
The text indicates that both sides could have rushed to their own trenches instead of attacking.
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There was a consensus that the costs of the war were adequately understood before the fighting began.
There was a consensus that the costs of the war were adequately understood before the fighting began.
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Churchill proposed that German ships would not be able to evade combat thanks to naval advancements.
Churchill proposed that German ships would not be able to evade combat thanks to naval advancements.
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The perception of a security dilemma was not heightened by the competitive nature of military mobilization.
The perception of a security dilemma was not heightened by the competitive nature of military mobilization.
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Perceptions of the offensive potential were ultimately shown to be misguided after the war.
Perceptions of the offensive potential were ultimately shown to be misguided after the war.
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Political and military lessons reinforced each other in alleviating the security dilemma.
Political and military lessons reinforced each other in alleviating the security dilemma.
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Both sides were aware of each other's views, increasing tensions during the buildup to war.
Both sides were aware of each other's views, increasing tensions during the buildup to war.
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One state can increase the chance of another state cooperating by demonstrating a willingness to exploit it.
One state can increase the chance of another state cooperating by demonstrating a willingness to exploit it.
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The security dilemma arises because states are inherently suspicious of each other's intentions and actions.
The security dilemma arises because states are inherently suspicious of each other's intentions and actions.
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A state that seeks to maintain the status quo should avoid building up its arms, as this can alarm other states.
A state that seeks to maintain the status quo should avoid building up its arms, as this can alarm other states.
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States are more likely to engage in conflict when international politics involves a series of small transactions.
States are more likely to engage in conflict when international politics involves a series of small transactions.
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The security dilemma can be mitigated through measures that provide reassurance and transparency to states.
The security dilemma can be mitigated through measures that provide reassurance and transparency to states.
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A state that feels threatened by another state's actions should immediately take defensive measures, regardless of the other's intentions.
A state that feels threatened by another state's actions should immediately take defensive measures, regardless of the other's intentions.
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Inspection systems can effectively ensure a state's future good intentions and ability to act on them.
Inspection systems can effectively ensure a state's future good intentions and ability to act on them.
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Breaking down large transactions into smaller ones can reduce the risk of defection by increasing the potential gains from cooperation.
Breaking down large transactions into smaller ones can reduce the risk of defection by increasing the potential gains from cooperation.
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A state's past behavior is a reliable indicator of its future intentions in international relations.
A state's past behavior is a reliable indicator of its future intentions in international relations.
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A state's arms build-up is always a sign of aggressive intent.
A state's arms build-up is always a sign of aggressive intent.
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Statesmen who understand the security dilemma are more likely to misinterpret the actions of other states.
Statesmen who understand the security dilemma are more likely to misinterpret the actions of other states.
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If a nation does not fear a treaty, it indicates that it is planning to engage in aggression.
If a nation does not fear a treaty, it indicates that it is planning to engage in aggression.
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The security dilemma is a purely theoretical concept with little practical relevance to understanding international relations.
The security dilemma is a purely theoretical concept with little practical relevance to understanding international relations.
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A treaty aimed at deterring aggression should only be feared by nations contemplating aggression.
A treaty aimed at deterring aggression should only be feared by nations contemplating aggression.
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Study Notes
Anarchy and the Security Dilemma
- Lack of international authority allows wars and hinders cooperation on mutual interests, even when all states desire status quo.
- The "Stag Hunt" analogy highlights the dilemma: Cooperation maximizes collective gain (disarmament), but individual defection (armament) can lead to worse outcomes for all (arms race and war).
- States fear the defection of others, leading to a self-fulfilling cycle of distrust and defection, potentially resulting in a worse outcome for all.
Difficulties in International Cooperation
- Fear of future dissatisfaction by other states or changing leadership/values make binding agreements difficult.
- States may seek to control resources/territory outside of their borders to ensure wartime supplies (e.g., Japan's expansion).
- Security concerns can lead to interference in other states’ domestic politics to create an ideological buffer zone.
- Buffer zones, seeking to control areas on their borders, can alarm other states. Territorial expansions frequently involve increased responsibilities/commitments needing increased power/resources, making the situation unstable.
Security Dilemma
- States' efforts to enhance security often unintentionally harm the security of others.
- Unlike domestic security measures (safer neighborhoods, etc.), international security actions can create vulnerabilities for others.
- The British navy, often seen as a defensive measure, was a source of insecurity for other states with potentially threatened trade routes or colonies.
- Germany countered the British navy by building its own navy to assure their own security in the future.
Variables that Increase the Likelihood of Cooperation
- Increased benefits from mutual cooperation and decreased costs of cooperating while others don’t.
- Decreased incentives to defect and increased costs of mutual noncooperation.
- Increased expectations of cooperation from other state actors.
Costs of Being Exploited (CD)
- The cost of being exploited (CD) is a major driver of the security dilemma.
- Low cost of exploitation allows states to be more trustful of others.
- Sufficiently secure states can afford to wait before reacting and can be more patient with others.
- A state with a wide margin of safety or invulnerability can adopt a more relaxed, less threatening foreign policy.
Vulnerability and Security Policy
- States' subjective, not objective, security requirements are crucial.
- Differences in the perceived level of threat and the value placed on security by states lead to different foreign policies (e.g., Britain and Austria after the Napoleonic Wars).
- High security requirements lead to sensitivity to threats and a demand for high arms levels, potentially fostering arms races.
- Low security requirements can facilitate trust but may leave states vulnerable to aggression.
Gains from Cooperation and Costs of Breakdown
- High costs of war and shared benefits of cooperation provide incentives to cooperate.
- States are incentivized to weigh the potentially huge costs of war or a breakdown in relations versus small short-term gains from exploitation.
Gains from Exploitation (DC)
- The ability to exploit others (DC) can motivate states to act in ways that destabilize.
- The low value placed on potential gains from exploitation and other routes to achieve the same outcome can minimize exploitation impulses.
Probability of Other States Cooperating
- States must anticipate the likely behavior of others when considering cooperation and defection.
- States can try to manipulate variables to encourage others to cooperate, such as decreasing the other's incentives to defect or increasing the costs of a breakdown in relation.
- Building up capabilities to make oneself less vulnerable improves the odds of the other state reciprocating cooperation.
- Reassuring others of non-aggressive intentions is vital.
Influence of Geography, Commitments, and Beliefs
- Geographical factors can make secure states feel less threatened while states with multiple neighbors will have to consider multiple relations and potential conflicts.
- Commitments (e.g., protecting allies) and expansive beliefs affect a state's actions, potentially creating conflicting incentives and complicating security relations.
- Military technology, geography and beliefs can affect the costs, difficulty and nature of cooperation.
Implications of Offensive/Defensive Technology
- An advantage for defense over offense makes secure states less incentivized to act offensively against others.
- Offensive capabilities favor aggression and destabilizing behavior more than defensive policies.
- Belief that the offense has the advantage will lead states to distrust one another and arm for preemptive strikes which heightens conflict and instability.
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Description
This quiz explores themes in international relations, focusing on the concepts of anarchy, state self-interest, and collective security. It examines the implications of the Stag Hunt analogy and the challenges of achieving mutual objectives among states. Test your understanding of these critical theories and the dynamics that influence global peace.
