International Relations Quiz

Actors in international relations are entities capable of influencing the international system, including individuals, groups, and organizations.

The international system is organized around states, which are recognized as having a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and international recognition.

Non-state actors are entities that operate across national borders and have the capacity to influence international relations, such as international organizations, multinational corporations, and NGOs.

Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) are created by states to cooperate and work together on shared goals. They possess formal structures and are governed by member states.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are non-state actors created by individuals, groups, or businesses to promote specific causes or interests. They operate independently from states.

The post-World War II era saw the rise of both IGOs and NGOs, which have become increasingly influential in international affairs.

Some scholars argue that the growing influence of non-state actors challenges the traditional view of states as the primary actors in international relations.

Examples of IGOs include the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and the World Bank. At the regional level, examples include the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) are institutions formed through treaties signed by states to address shared interests. They are created by states for the purpose of cooperation.

IGOs play key roles in setting international rules, defining policy agendas, and gathering information. They reduce uncertainty between states and seek solutions to global issues.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are institutions established by non-state actors. They operate independent of government control and are driven by a specific mission.

NGOs promote various interests, including poverty alleviation, social service provision, community development, and environmental protection. They build global networks, gather information about global issues, and educate delegates about international policies.

NGOs have become increasingly influential in international affairs, acting as third-party sources of information, offering policy options, and bringing delegates together. They exert pressure on governments to take action on certain issues.

MNCs are massive companies with operations in multiple countries. They influence global economic integration and create strong ties between different economies.

MNCs aim to maximize profits. They play a significant role in shaping foreign policy by controlling vast resources and influencing political agendas. They have significant bargaining power with governments.

Realism in international relations views states as the central actors in a system characterized by anarchy, meaning there is no overarching authority to enforce rules.

Realists emphasize the importance of power for states to ensure their survival. They argue that states constantly strive to increase their power, leading to a security dilemma where actions taken to enhance one state's security can threaten others.

Realism's roots can be traced back to ancient thinkers like Thucydides and Hobbes, who highlighted the anarchic nature of international affairs and the struggle for power.

Neo-realism, also known as structural realism, focuses on the structure of the international system, specifically the distribution of power, to understand state behavior.

Neo-realism identifies three types of system structures: unipolarity (one superpower), bipolarity (two superpowers), and multipolarity (multiple major powers). These structures influence the likelihood of peace or conflict.

The concept of National interest defines the goals a state seeks to achieve in the international system. It includes protecting state sovereignty and territory, and securing vital interests.

Balancing refers to actions taken by states to counter the power of dominant states. Balancing can be internal, such as building up military capabilities, or external, like forming alliances.

Bandwagoning refers to a strategy where states choose to ally with a powerful state rather than opposing it, often driven by perceived threats.

In international relations, it is increasingly recognized that groups, besides states and individuals, can also be influential players on the global stage.

The ability to get what you want through attraction and persuasion. It relies on a country's culture, political values, and foreign policies being perceived as attractive and legitimate by others.

The ability to get what you want through coercion and payment.

A theoretical approach in international relations that focuses on building international institutions, such as rules, agreements, and organizations, to facilitate cooperation among states.

The idea that cooperation is possible and desirable in international relations, even in the absence of a global government. States can work together through shared interests and institutions.

A security arrangement where states agree to abide by certain norms and rules to maintain stability, and band together to stop aggression.

The process of using your military force to balance out a potential threat. This creates stability by deterring aggression.

A theoretical approach that emphasizes the importance of class struggle in shaping international relations, arguing that capitalism drives conflict and exploitation.

The idea that capitalism, through its drive for profits, will inevitably expand globally, leading to the spread of its influence.

A political and economic doctrine that promotes free markets, limited government intervention, and individual liberty.

A Marxist concept that emphasizes the importance of historical changes driven by economic factors, particularly class struggle.

Two main classes identified by Marx: The bourgeoisie, who own the means of production, and the proletariat, who provide wage labor.

A state of revolution where the working class overthrows the capitalist system and establishes a socialist or communist society.

The use of social programs, like tax benefits or rebates, to distract people from the inequalities inherent in capitalism.

A concept that capitalism exploits and oppresses workers through unfair working conditions and low wages.

The belief that religion can make people more submissive and docile, preventing them from challenging authority and seeking social change.

A long-term shift in Earth's weather patterns and average temperatures.

A biological agent used to cause harm, including diseases and toxins.

The use of computers and the internet to plan and execute attacks in the virtual world.

The main victims of terrorism are often civilians, as attacks are designed to send messages and create media attention.

The use of technology (computers, internet) for planning and executing attacks in the virtual world.

A legally binding international treaty adopted by 196 parties in 2015, with goals of limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

The USA PATRIOT Act, enacted after 9/11, aims to combat terrorism but raises concerns about the potential erosion of civil liberties.

A multi-pronged approach aimed at reducing the reach and severity of international terrorist organizations. It involves diplomacy, military action, and intelligence gathering.

A threat multiplier that exacerbates existing environmental stressors, impacts food security, creates water scarcity, and affects economic stability.

The act of using biological agents (like bacteria or viruses) to cause harm or illness.

The security dilemma is an example of how fear and mutual distrust can lead to conflict between states, even when states are not inherently aggressive. It describes a situation where each state feels threatened by the actions of other states, leading to an arms race and a spiral of mistrust.

Neo-Realism, also known as structural realism, views international relations through the lens of power, security, and state behavior within an anarchic international system.

The belief that no higher authority exists above states to enforce rules or resolve disputes. This means states are ultimately responsible for their own security and must rely on their own power to defend themselves.

States are the primary actors in IR, meaning they are the most important units or entities that make decisions and take actions on the international stage.

Realists assume states act rationally, meaning they make decisions based on maximizing their own interests and achieving their goals in a logical and calculated manner.

The primary objective of states is to ensure their survival. This means they must prioritize their security and seek to maintain their power to prevent threats from other states.

Balancing occurs when states form alliances to counter a rising power and prevent it from dominating the system. This aims to maintain a balance of power and discourage hegemony.

Bandwagoning involves aligning with a rising power, often for potential benefits or to avoid the risks of opposing it. This can happen when a state is weak or sees less risk in joining the stronger side.

Liberal internationalism argues that states can establish peace and cooperation through institutions and shared values, such as democracy, free trade, and international law.

Kantian Triangle refers to three interconnected factors that promote peace and cooperation: (1) democratic governance (2) international institutions (3) economic interdependence. The more states share these features, the more likely they are to cooperate and avoid conflict.

Absolute gains refer to the benefits that a state receives from cooperation, regardless of whether other states gain more or less. Liberalism emphasizes that states can achieve their desired outcomes through absolute gains, even if others also benefit.

International institutions play a crucial role in promoting cooperation by providing frameworks for rules, norms, and interactions between states. They facilitate communication, coordination, and conflict resolution.

The concept of complex interdependence highlights the numerous interconnected channels and relationships between states. It emphasizes that states interact in multiple areas beyond just security, such as trade, finance, and environmental issues.

The Russo-Ukrainian war serves as an example of how realist principles can explain state behavior. Russia's invasion can be viewed as an attempt to secure its security interests and counteract the perceived threat of NATO expansion into its traditional sphere of influence.

A theory of international relations that emphasizes the role of shared ideas, social values, and norms in shaping international actions.

The idea that states are influenced by more than just their material interests, but also their belief systems, including historical, cultural, and social contexts.

The concept that reality in international relations isn't fixed, but is shaped by shared understandings and ideas.

The idea that identities and interests are not fixed, but are formed through continuous interactions, both shaping and being shaped by each other.

An approach that emphasizes the meanings assigned to material objects based on social interpretations rather than their physical existence.

The idea that anarchy is not an inherent state, but is socially constructed based on how states interpret their interactions.

The process of states shaping their understanding and responses to anarchy based on the meanings they assign to it.

The idea that states have unique identities based on their social factors like their political culture, ideology, and historical context.

Groups of states that have formed common identities and interests, often leading to cooperative behavior and the establishment of security communities.

A standard for appropriate behavior within a specific identity group, often emerging from collective beliefs.

A security approach that expands the scope of security concerns beyond military threats to include human security threats like environmental issues, poverty, and inequality.

Entities that operate outside the formal control and authority of the state and pose a direct threat to security, employing violence or coercion.

Conditions that make states vulnerable to the rise of VNSAs, including a lack of legitimacy, authority, public goods provision, sound economic management, or collective interest.

Groups that operate outside of state control and often use violence to achieve political goals.

The theory that democracies are less likely to go to war with each other due to shared values, economic interdependence, and public restraint.

Shared values like freedom and democracy reduce conflict between states.

Economic ties make war less appealing; both sides lose when trade is disrupted.

Democratic publics are less likely to support wars unless in self-defense, making leaders less likely to start them.

Democracies might form alliances to deter conflicts between them.

The idea that democratic leaders must be accountable to their citizens who bear the costs of war, making them hesitant to initiate conflicts.

Democracies develop norms of peaceful conflict resolution, influencing both domestic and foreign policies.

Liberal ideologies within democracies promote peace, while illiberal states may be violent even with democratic systems.

The lack of a clear definition of terrorism creates confusion and makes it difficult to create effective counterterrorism policies.

Terrorism involves intentional violence, usually against non-combatants, to instill fear and achieve political goals.

Terrorism, as a criminal act, differs from other crimes in its underlying political or social motivation.

Terrorist groups employ violence as a tactic, often targeting civilians to generate fear and achieve political goals.

Terrorism transcends national/social boundaries, highlighting the need for a global approach to counterterrorism.

Terrorism involves calculated violence aimed at creating psychological effects, not just physical harm.