International Relations Overview Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is characterized by the monopoly of legitimate use of physical force within a territory?

  • Anarchy
  • Authority (correct)
  • Sovereignty
  • Coalition

Which statement accurately describes the concept of autonomy in states?

  • Autonomy varies greatly, as seen in comparisons like the USA and Somalia. (correct)
  • Only European states experienced autonomy before 1945.
  • Autonomy refers to the ability to function completely independently without any challenges.
  • All states have equal autonomy regardless of their size.

What principle underlies the legal equality among states in the international system?

  • Military strength
  • Influence
  • Sovereignty (correct)
  • Power balance

What is a critical claim associated with every state?

<p>Its monopoly over legitimate violence on its territory. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the nature of the international system prior to the UN Charter in 1945 regarding state recognition?

<p>Only European states were acknowledged as autonomous entities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary motivation behind most international conflicts?

<p>Territorial issues (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is state territory characterized in contemporary international relations?

<p>Inviolable and delimited by fixed borders (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept does 'terra nullius' relate to?

<p>Colonization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What element considers the population in terms of state power?

<p>Population as an element of power (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the legitimacy of a government according to the UN Charter?

<p>Absence of specific political legitimacy criteria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the necessary elements for a state to act as a political actor?

<p>Authority, autonomy, and equality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the outcome of the Westphalia Treaties regarding territory?

<p>Foundation for fixed territorial boundaries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In political struggles, which of the following was an example of divine right legitimacy?

<p>The Holy Alliance in the 19th Century (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of sovereignty increasingly involve today?

<p>Delegation to international organizations or sub-states (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sovereignty is characterized by states that do not efficiently exercise control over their territories?

<p>Postcolonial or quasi-state (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of postmodern states within the EU regarding sovereignty?

<p>They pool their sovereignty in specific policy areas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What crucial question arises from the idea of compromised sovereignty?

<p>How much sovereignty can be compromised before a state ceases to be sovereign? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the modern Westphalian state?

<p>Fully exercises its sovereignty in a traditional sense (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT essential for the existence of a state?

<p>A strong military (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is NOT included in the contemporary definition of international relations?

<p>Cultural exchanges (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is essential for protecting a state's territory?

<p>Military defense capabilities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the definition provided, what type of actor can be involved in international relations?

<p>Both state and non-state actors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following topics is NOT explicitly mentioned as part of international relations?

<p>Cultural identity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs represents a conflict relationship in international relations?

<p>Barack Obama and Kim Jong-il (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area is NOT a focus of collective action in international relations?

<p>Education (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of interactions in the international system?

<p>Interactions are often political but can be other types as well (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental characteristic of sovereignty as described in the content?

<p>It is essentially contested yet taken for granted. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the relationship between internal and external sovereignty?

<p>Internal sovereignty includes monopoly of legitimate violence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is state sovereignty often characterized in modern discussions?

<p>It is believed to be in decline due to global trends. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the indivisible quality of sovereignty imply?

<p>States cannot partially surrender their sovereignty. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does globalization impact the concept of sovereignty?

<p>It diminishes the absolute power states have over their territories. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a claim made about sovereignty?

<p>It guarantees immunity from international influences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'final and absolute authority' refer to in the context of sovereignty?

<p>Supremacy of the state within its own political community. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents a challenge to the notion of sovereignty?

<p>Empowerment of international NGOs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

State

A political entity with a defined territory, a population, and a government, recognized as sovereign and independent.

International Relations (IR)

The relationship between states, non-state actors, and international organizations.

International System

The space outside the control of any individual state, where interactions occur.

Territory

A distinct area of land under the control of a state, defined by borders.

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Population

The collective individuals residing within a state's territory.

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Government

The body responsible for governing a state, exercising power and authority.

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Sovereignty

The ability of a state to exercise supreme power within its territory and make decisions without external interference.

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International Legitimacy

The process by which a state, organization, or individual gains recognition and acceptance as a member of the international community.

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State Autonomy

A state's ability to make laws, enforce those laws, and control its internal and external affairs.

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State Authority

The right of a state to make rules and exercise power over its territory and population.

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State Equality

The principle that all states are equal in international law, recognized in the UN Charter.

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Border Disputes

Territorial disputes often stem from contested borders, particularly those arising from colonial pasts.

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Terra Nullius

The concept that territory was unclaimed and could be claimed by colonizers, used to justify colonization.

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Monopoly of legitimate violence

The ability of a state to use force within its territory to maintain order and security.

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Equality between states

The principle that all states have the same legal status and rights in the international system.

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Integrity of the territory

The idea that a state has exclusive control over its territory, including its borders and internal affairs.

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Collective interests of the population

Refers to the relationship between a state and its citizens, where the state represents the collective interests of those citizens.

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What is sovereignty?

The ability of a state to exercise supreme power within its territory and make decisions without external interference. It is a foundational concept in international relations, with the concept of state sovereignty often shaping interactions between states.

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What is 'pooled sovereignty'?

The idea that states increasingly share or pool their sovereignty, delegating power to international organizations and sub-state units, like regions or individuals.

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What is the concept of anarchy in international relations?

The concept that states are not completely independent, but exist under the influence of an international system where no central authority exists. This system is often described as anarchic, as it lacks a supreme ruler.

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What is a 'modern Westphalian state'?

A type of state that fully exercises its sovereignty in the traditional sense. They maintain control over their territory, population, and make decisions independently.

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What is a 'postcolonial or quasi-state'?

A type of state that faces challenges to its sovereignty. These states may struggle to exercise control over their territory and population due to various internal and external factors.

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Internal Sovereignty

The ability of a state to determine its own internal affairs without interference from other states or actors.

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External Sovereignty

The ability of a state to act independently in the international arena, free from external control.

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Indivisible Sovereignty

The principle that a state's sovereignty is indivisible and cannot be shared or diminished by other states.

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Contested Sovereignty

The concept that sovereignty is under constant pressure from globalization, international organizations, and multinational corporations.

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State as the Default Unit of Analysis

The idea that the state is the primary unit of analysis in international relations, as it holds ultimate authority within its borders and interacts with other states.

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Paradoxical Sovereignty

The idea that sovereignty is a contested concept, as it is constantly redefined and challenged in the face of globalization and changing power dynamics.

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Study Notes

Course Information

  • Course Title: International Relations (BSPOL 1312)
  • Academic Year: 2024/2025
  • Instructor: Dr. Valentina Brogna (replacing Prof. Amandine Orsini)

Contact Information

Course Resources

Teaching Method

  • One activity
  • One lecture
  • One reading

Course Content

  • Focuses on gaining knowledge, understanding core concepts and theories, and developing analytical skills
  • Considers history, theory, and current international issues together, not in isolation

Evaluation

  • Research paper (10/20)
  • Multiple-choice questions (MCQ) (5/20)
  • Two questions on the course (5/20)
  • Bonus: Presenting/discussing readings

Useful References

  • Key Concepts in International Relations (by Thomas Diez, Ingvild Bode, and Aleksandra Fernandes da Costa) (SAGE Publications)

Unhate Campaign Images

  • Depicts various world leaders in a kissing pose, likely meant to demonstrate a connection between contrasting entities.

Questions and Topics

  • Question #1: Who are the key actors in international relations (state leaders, governments, regional organizations, transnational firms, or only men)?
  • Question #2: What are the key aspects of international relations?
  • Question #3: How and why do certain international relations events happen?
  • Question #4: What are the predicted outcomes and implications of international relations events?
  • Evolution of International Relations: Focuses on how the study of international relations shifts in focus. Early analysis focused on who was involved and what the outcomes were. More recent analysis often asks how and why things happen, and anticipates future events.
  • Dimensions of Sovereignty: Internal and External aspects of sovereignty. Internal sovereignty concerns the authority and decisions made within a state. External sovereignty relates to a state's independence from interference by other states.
  • State Sovereignty in Practice: Explores various real-world scenarios of state sovereignty such as globalized forces affecting it, varying degrees among states in power and capabilities, and political conflicts where states may experience problems in asserting sovereignty.

Important Concepts: The State

  • One territory
  • One population
  • One system of government
  • One legal personality
  • Sovereignty
  • Constitutive elements (territory, population, government)
  • Conflicts, and importance of territory

Globalisation

  • Globalization as Interdependence: Describes a world interconnected by reciprocal effects among countries and actors.
  • Globalisation impacting Sovereignty: Suggests that the concept of sovereignty is changing due to interconnectedness, shared responsibilities, and overlapping authority.

Readings

  • HEMMINGS, Alan D. 2021. "Antarctic Treaty System".
  • SHACKELFORD S. J. 2021. "Common heritage of Humanity".

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