International Relations Neo-Neo Debate
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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of neo-realism in international relations?

  • The structure of the international system (correct)
  • The economic interests of states
  • The cultural aspects of international relations
  • The behavior of individual states

    • What is the best strategy according to the prisoner's dilemma for two individuals, under the assumption they cannot communicate?

  • One confesses and the other stays silent
  • Choose randomly
  • Both stay silent (correct)
  • Both confess

    • What perspective suggests that cooperation among states occurs only under specific conditions?

  • Idealism
  • Neorealism (correct)
  • Neoliberalism
  • Behavioralism

    • In the context of the prisoner’s dilemma, what is a zero-sum game?

    <p>A scenario where one participant's gain is equal to another's loss</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the neorealist perspective?

    <p>It considers conflict more influential than cooperation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence for the individual who confesses while the other remains silent in the prisoner's dilemma?

    <p>Twenty years in prison</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes the fundamental assumption of behavioralism in research?

    <p>It emphasizes hypothesis testing through data analysis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the neo-realist view on cooperation between states?

    <p>It is seen as a means to secure relative gains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary global policy of the US and its allies during the early stages of the Cold War?

    <p>Containment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event marked a significant peak of tension during the Cold War in the early 1960s?

    <p>The Cuban Missile Crisis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Mikhail Gorbachev notably introduce in the mid-1980s that aimed at liberalizing Soviet policies?

    <p>Perestroika and Glasnost</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What theory suggests that the behavior of states in an international system is influenced by the structure and distribution of power?

    <p>Neo-realism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Waltz's third-image theory, what is a primary cause of war?

    <p>Anarchy in the international system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the billiard ball model used to represent in international relations?

    <p>The balance of power among states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between states in a bipolar system during the Cold War?

    <p>They are heavily influenced by the two superpowers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the differentiation principle imply about states?

    <p>Differences among states are based on their capabilities in similar tasks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor does the power differential between states primarily explain in international relations?

    <p>The occurrence of great-power wars</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are bipolar systems considered more stable than multipolar systems?

    <p>They create lesser chances for miscalculation and fewer great-power conflicts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the response from the Soviet Union to the formation of NATO in 1949?

    <p>Warsaw Pact</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of regime does Waltz argue is less likely to lead to wars?

    <p>Democratic regimes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one significant consequence of the power differentials between states?

    <p>Certain states have greater influence on global changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What crucial outcome does the balance of power theory suggest?

    <p>States continuously adjust their capabilities to prevent any one state from becoming too powerful.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of neo-liberal institutionalism in international relations?

    <p>Collective absolute gains through cooperation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do neo-realist theorists primarily emphasize in their analysis of international politics?

    <p>Individual state gains and security</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement differentiates international organizations from international regimes?

    <p>International organizations function as actors in international politics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to neo-liberals, why is cooperation often more rational than non-cooperation?

    <p>States recognize mutual disadvantages of non-cooperation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is considered an 'absolute gain' in the context of international relations?

    <p>Any gain is good as long as one's own situation improves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do international institutions play according to neo-liberalists?

    <p>They create absolute gains and foster cooperation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does reputation affect state cooperation in international politics?

    <p>It builds positive expectations through repeated interactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary objective of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

    <p>To ban the spread of nuclear weapons to non-nuclear states.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are states often reluctant to cooperate in international relations?

    <p>A lack of information leads to mistrust.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'free riding' in international cooperation?

    <p>A state invests heavily in climate change initiatives while others benefit without contributing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor significantly reduces the level of anarchy in international systems according to neo-liberal thought?

    <p>The existence of international laws and organizations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in relation to the NPT?

    <p>To supervise the implementation of the NPT and facilitate its principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do states' behaviors reflect the concept of 'imitation' in international politics?

    <p>States mimic successful behaviors exhibited by others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which example best describes the formation of a regional agreement following the NPT?

    <p>The establishment of the Rarotonga Treaty in the Pacific region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary argument of defensive realism?

    <p>States must maintain moderate policies to secure power and survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the balance of power theory suggest about the behavior of states?

    <p>States form alliances to counterbalance hegemonic powers for survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key feature of the international system during the Cold War according to Waltz?

    <p>A stable situation primarily due to the bipolarity of the superpowers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a main difference between classical realism and neo-realism?

    <p>Neo-realism focuses on anarchy while classical realism emphasizes human nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to offensive realism, what is the ultimate goal of states?

    <p>Seeking hegemony and dominance over other states.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Mearsheimer suggest about international institutions?

    <p>They are platforms for powerful states to enact their interests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Waltz believe excessive power can be counterproductive?

    <p>It diminishes a state's security and fosters hostile alliances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the outcome of a balanced power dynamic in international relations?

    <p>An absence of war, while maintaining tension.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of neo-realism, how do states view international institutions?

    <p>As means to achieve relative gains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Waltz use to explain the stability during the Cold War?

    <p>The balance of power model.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is emphasized by both classical realism and neo-realism regarding international politics?

    <p>Power remains a central factor in international relations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What promotes the formation of alliances according to balance of power theory?

    <p>Concern over a common threat from a hegemonic power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do defensive realists argue about aggressive expansion?

    <p>It is detrimental as it provokes counteraction from others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a bipolar system, what is the expected behavior of the two superpowers?

    <p>They may observe each other without armed confrontation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Mearsheimer argue about great powers in the international system?

    <p>They constantly search for opportunities to gain power over rivals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

    <p>To facilitate international exchanges in peaceful nuclear energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept relates to the idea that nuclear weapons are necessary for maintaining peace?

    <p>Deterrence hypothesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant outcome of the NPT since its entry into force?

    <p>States have renounced their nuclear weapons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'relative gains' signify in the context of cooperation among states?

    <p>A state will gain wealth at the expense of another state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which domain do states look for absolute gains and find cooperation easier to achieve?

    <p>The economic domain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to neo-realists, under what condition will states not engage in cooperation?

    <p>When they expect to lose more than they gain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key factor influences a state's decision to withdraw from a cooperative arrangement?

    <p>The relative gains of other states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key differences between neo-liberalism and neo-realism in international relations?

    <p>Neo-realism emphasizes relative gains over absolute gains</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do states consider their security a priority in international cooperation?

    <p>Security is often a zero-sum concern among states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'zero-sum game' imply in the context of state cooperation?

    <p>Gains for one state necessitate losses for another</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) play under the NPT?

    <p>Sending experts when needed to ensure compliance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phenomenon was emphasized by Robert Grieco regarding the end of international cooperation?

    <p>States may withdraw if cooperation is no longer beneficial</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason some states have renounced their nuclear weapons according to the NPT?

    <p>To enhance international prestige</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the strategic domain of cooperation from the economic domain?

    <p>Cooperation is generally more difficult in the strategic domain due to security concerns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    The Neo-Neo Debate

    • Key debates in international relations (IR) include Idealists vs. Realists, Traditionalists vs. Behavioralists, Classical theories vs. Marxist theories/transnationalism, and Positivists vs. Post-positivists
    • Behavioralist approach focuses on data collection, measurement, analysis, hypothesis testing, and real-world application. It arose due to the need to analyze human behaviors methodologically.
    • The Prisoner's Dilemma highlights contrasting perspectives on cooperation in international relations. Neo-realists focus on individual state interests (seeking maximum individual gain), while neo-liberals prioritize collective benefits (seeking overall improvement)
    • Neo-realism emphasizes individual and relative gains, conflict over cooperation (except when security interests align or power differentials exist), and cooperation as a zero-sum game.

    Neo-Realism

    • Deeply connected to the Cold War
    • Defines Cold War as political, strategic, military, ideological, and cultural opposition, between opposing blocs led by two superpowers who never directly confronted each other.
    • Cold War stages (1945-1991) – containment, relative peaceful coexistence, acute crises, détente, tense observation, end of Cold War.
    • Key neo-realist theorist: Kenneth Waltz. His work "Man, the State and War" & "Theory of International Politics" outline the causes of war.

    Main Causes of War - Waltz

    • First-image theories: Human nature as main cause of war
    • Second-image theories: Internal state causes, regime types, and internal factors that contribute to wars (e.g., capitalism)
    • Third-image theories: Focus on international system structure.

    International Structure and Anarchy

    • Anarchy in the international system leads to distrust & war as states cannot predict each other's behavior effectively & lack a central authority.
    • States prioritize survival.
    • Relative military power determines power balancing among states (like billiard balls on a table).
    • Multipolar systems: All states have somewhat equal influence.
    • Bipolar systems: Two major powers dominate the system, influencing other actors' actions.

    States and Power Differentials

    • States differ in their capabilities of fulfilling similar tasks (Differentiation Principle) due to power differentials that are significant
    • Great powers shape the international system's structure.
    • Distribution principle: States vary in power distribution, and these differences are reflected internationally.

    Bipolar vs. Multipolar Systems

    • Bipolar systems (like the Cold War) are more stable and peaceful due to fewer great power conflicts, more deterrence options, and reduced miscalculation likelihood.
    • Multipolar systems are more prone to instability and conflicts.

    Offensive vs. Defensive Realism

    • Defensive realism: States prioritize moderate policies to ensure security and survival, avoiding aggressive expansion.
    • Offensive realism (Mearsheimer): States strive for maximum power and hegemony as a strategy for survival in an anarchic system, competition for power is the maximum.

    Neo-Realism Critiques and Insights

    • Cooperation exists but is challenging and susceptible to ending when the participating states see that their incentives are reduced.
    • International institutions are arenas of power struggles among states. The most important powers use institutions to further their own interests
    • Relative gains motivate state behavior.
    • Allies and rivals can cooperate.
    • Balancing power ensures one state does not become too powerful.

    Neo-Liberalism

    • Highlights cooperative & absolute gains instead of just relative ones, like neo-realism
    • International organizations are important for facilitating cooperation, sharing information, building reputations, and thereby making cooperation more effective.
    • Cooperation in absolute gains is easier to achieve than in terms of relative gains (e.g., trade).

    The Neo-Neo Debate

    • Neo-realists argue that cooperation is a zero-sum game, while neo-liberals believe it is a positive-sum game.
    • A compromise position acknowledges both absolute and relative gains, recognizing the differences in the likelihood & nature of cooperation among states in diverse issue areas.

    Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

    • A key example of a multilateral agreement that shows that cooperation is possible because of absolute gains.
    • Aims at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons (horizontal proliferation), promoting disarmament, and enabling access to peaceful nuclear technology.
    • NPT has norms, principles, and procedures to reduce anarchy in this area, and increases trust amongst parties and reduces conflicts

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    Description

    Explore the key debates in international relations, focusing on the contrasts between Neo-realism and Neo-liberalism. Learn about the methodologies of the Behavioralist approach and the implications of the Prisoner’s Dilemma on cooperation and conflict during the Cold War. This quiz delves into the essential theories shaping the field of IR.

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