International Relations: Self-Help Situation
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Questions and Answers

What is the main reason why a bipolar system is considered more stable according to realist theory?

  • Because it encourages cooperation among nations
  • Because it allows for more accurate calculation of power balance between superpowers (correct)
  • Because it reduces the security dilemma
  • Because it creates a multipolar system
  • What is the security dilemma in a self-help system?

  • The assumption that a rival is arming for offensive reasons
  • The desire for peace among nations
  • The uncertainty of a rival's intentions in a self-help system (correct)
  • The assumption that a rival is arming for defensive reasons
  • According to Kenneth Waltz, what is the effect of an increase in the number of international actors on uncertainty?

  • Uncertainty decreases
  • Uncertainty is eliminated
  • Uncertainty increases (correct)
  • Uncertainty remains the same
  • What is the central claim of the hegemonic stability thesis?

    <p>A single state is necessary for the formation and maintenance of a liberal international economy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Mearsheimer, what is the likely outcome of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War?

    <p>Instability and conflict in Europe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern of states in a self-help system?

    <p>Protecting their own security</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of balance-of-power politics in regulating the security dilemma?

    <p>It regulates the security dilemma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between a bipolar and multipolar system, according to realist theory?

    <p>The number of international actors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of states according to realists?

    <p>To gain power and influence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the fluctuations in alliances between states to preserve the balance of power?

    <p>Flexible and Overlapping Alliances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of realists in international relations?

    <p>Military and security issues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the character of world politics according to realists?

    <p>A state of war, with the constant possibility of war</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary driving force behind the formation of defensive alliances, according to realists?

    <p>The threat of a challenger state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a balance of power strategy?

    <p>The shifting alliances between Britain, France, Austria, Prussia, and Russia in the 18th century</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the outcome of the pursuit of power, according to realists?

    <p>A state of constant conflict and war</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of international relations, according to realists?

    <p>A struggle for power and influence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary way to evaluate the power of the USA according to realism?

    <p>In terms of its capabilities relative to others</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the dynamic definition of power, according to the alternative definition?

    <p>A state's influence is determined by its capabilities and willingness to use them</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a way for states to achieve power, according to the text?

    <p>By the state's own means, such as population and industrialization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of alliances, according to the text?

    <p>They are conditional and apply only if they remain in the power interests of the state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an indicator of power, according to David Singer?

    <p>Industrial and demographic capabilities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is Japan's economic power dependent on its military ties with the US, according to the text?

    <p>Because the US ensures Japan's freedom to engage in commerce</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main problem in achieving cooperation among states, according to the text?

    <p>The uncertainty of knowing whether the others are good, moral, and rational</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic of the international system that makes cooperation difficult, according to the text?

    <p>Anarchical, self-help system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Polarity and System Stability

    • A bipolar system is allegedly more stable than a multi-polar system since the power balance between superpowers can be more accurately and reliably calculated.
    • Kenneth Waltz argues that uncertainty increases as the number of international actors increase, making it more likely for a decision-maker to misjudge the intentions and actions of a potential foe.

    Security Dilemma

    • In a self-help system, it is rational to assume the worst, even if a state is arming for defensive purposes, as it is difficult to be sure of a rival's intentions.
    • The security dilemma is regulated by balance-of-power politics.

    Hegemonic Stability Thesis

    • Neo-realism claims a central place in international political economy, arguing that a necessary condition for the formation and maintenance of a liberal international economy is that a single state should be able and willing to invest the resources and bear the burdens associated with the operation of such an economic order.

    Balance of Power Mentality

    • Realists believe that states tend to balance against challengers through the formation of defensive alliances, which is a strong behavioral expectation about the effects of anarchy on states.
    • All states are obliged to pursue a balance of power strategy.

    The History of European States

    • The 18th Century saw principal states like Britain, France, Austria, Prussia, and Russia changing sides to preserve the balance of power.
    • Napoleonic France attempted to destroy the European balance and establish French hegemony but was defeated by a European coalition.
    • The Concert of Europe (1815-1914) maintained peace through flexible and overlapping alliances to ensure a balance of power as a deterrent to war.

    Focus on Power

    • Realists focus on actual or potential conflict between state actors and the use of force, examining how international stability is attained or maintained.
    • Power is a key concept, with states aiming to gain power and considering military, security, or strategic issues as 'high politics'.
    • Economic and social issues are viewed as less important or 'low politics'.

    Realist Description of IR

    • Interstate politics is a permanent bargaining game over the distribution of power, describing world politics as a state of war and a struggle for power.

    Achieving Power

    • States can achieve power by their own means, such as through population, industrialization, science, and technology.
    • States can also achieve power through alliances, which are conditional and apply only if they remain in the power interests of the state.

    Measurement and Indicators of Power

    • Defense expenditures, military personnel, iron and steel production, energy consumption, total population, and gross national product (GNP) are indicators of power.
    • David Singer emphasizes military, industrial, and demographic capabilities as crucial indicators.

    Cooperation

    • In an anarchical, self-help system, cooperation is difficult to achieve due to the uncertainty of knowing whether others will cooperate.
    • The stag hunt dilemma illustrates the difficulty of cooperation, as individuals may choose to serve their self-interest rather than the common interest.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the concepts of bipolar and multi-polar systems, self-help situations and security dilemmas in international relations.

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