International Relations Terms and Definitions

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'hegemony' refer to in international relations?

Hegemony refers to the domination of one state or group over the international system.

How does a multipolar system differ from a bipolar system?

A multipolar system has typically 5 or 6 centers of power, while a bipolar system is characterized by two superpowers that roughly balance each other.

According to Kenneth Waltz, what distinguishes the international system from the domestic system?

Kenneth Waltz posits that the international system is fundamentally different from the domestic system in its structure and dynamics.

What is the Prisoners Dilemma in the context of game theory?

The Prisoners Dilemma is a situation where rational actors pursuing individual interests end up with worse outcomes than if they cooperated. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the individual level of analysis in international relations?

The individual level of analysis focuses on the perceptions, choices, and actions of individual human beings influencing international events. Signup and view all the answers

Define the term 'military-industrial complex'.

The military-industrial complex is an interlocking network of governmental agencies, industrial corporations, and research institutions that work together to supply a nation's military force. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the democratic peace theory?

The democratic peace theory suggests that democracies almost never fight each other but tend to unite against authoritarian states. Signup and view all the answers

How do affective bias and cognitive bias influence decision-making in international relations?

Affective bias involves emotions that decision-makers feel about the consequences of their actions, while cognitive bias refers to systematic errors in thinking due to mental limitations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the evaluation phase in prospect theory?

The evaluation phase focuses on assessing options and making a decision based on comparisons with a reference point. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of mutually assured destruction (MAD), what deters nations from initiating nuclear war?

Nations are deterred from initiating nuclear war due to the assurance that both sides can retaliate, causing catastrophic destruction. Signup and view all the answers

How does irredentism relate to nationalism?

Irredentism is a form of nationalism aimed at recovering lost territory considered ethnically or historically related to the nation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the tragedy of the commons?

The tragedy of the commons is a situation where individuals, acting in their self-interest, deplete shared resources, leading to disaster for the community. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key principles of the Paris Agreement?

The Paris Agreement focuses on greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance, aiming for global cooperation to combat climate change. Signup and view all the answers

What role does demographic transition play in population studies?

Demographic transition describes the shift from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates, indicating a stage of development. Signup and view all the answers

What initiated the Falkland War between Britain and Argentina?

The Falkland War was initiated due to competing claims by Britain and Argentina over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Good Governance Model propose?

The Good Governance Model suggests that higher economic development reduces public grievances and lessens the appeal of fundamentalist ideologies. Signup and view all the answers

How can counterterrorism strategies benefit from legibility?

Legibility in counterterrorism involves mapping social and political territory to enhance understanding and effectiveness in targeting threats. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the UNCLOS?

UNCLOS establishes maritime law, defining territorial waters and exclusive economic zones for nations to resolve maritime disputes. Signup and view all the answers

How does Export Lead Growth differ from Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI)?

Export Lead Growth focuses on developing industries to compete globally, while ISI emphasizes domestic production of previously imported goods. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of the North-South Divide in relation to climate change?

The North-South Divide leads to larger developed states disproportionately contributing to greenhouse emissions, affecting smaller global South countries. Signup and view all the answers

What is nationalism, and how does it function as an identity?

Nationalism is an identification with one's nation, fostering devotion to shared culture, language, and ancestry among a collective group. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes both land and maritime territorial disputes?

Land territorial disputes involve disagreements over specific areas, while maritime disputes focus on rights and control over sea territories and resources. Signup and view all the answers

What are the material causes of maritime territorial disputes?

Material causes include control over specific resources and strategic value for military or logistical purposes. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the main argument of the Geriatric Peace theory.

The Geriatric Peace theory argues that an aging population leads to a greater propensity for peace due to diverted resources from defense to social welfare and a reduced working-age labor force. Signup and view all the answers

What is coercive engineered migration?

Coercive engineered migration refers to weaker states leveraging unwelcoming attitudes towards refugees to manipulate larger states. Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between non-state actors and state-sponsored terrorism.

Non-state actors perpetrate terrorism independently of state control, typically targeting civilians, while state-sponsored terrorism involves state agencies directing terrorist acts. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates individuals to participate in collective action according to Mancur Olson?

Individuals are likely to participate when selective incentives are provided, as without these, many may prefer to 'free ride' on the efforts of others. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the economic development approach in counterterrorism.

The good governance model suggests that higher economic development levels can alleviate public grievances, reducing the appeal of fundamentalist ideologies. Signup and view all the answers

How do urban settings complicate counterterrorism efforts?

Urban settings present challenges such as reduced legibility and speed due to population density, making it difficult to gather intelligence and execute strikes. Signup and view all the answers

What role do ideological factors play in non-material causes of conflict?

Ideological factors such as nationalism, religion, and ethnic divisions can exacerbate tensions and lead to conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the triple dilemma regarding global warming?

The triple dilemma involves deciding whether to incur short-term costs to achieve long-term but less certain benefits related to climate change mitigation. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two tactics commonly used by terrorist groups.

Common tactics include suicide bombings and using non-uniformed forces to attack civilians. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contribute to the decrease in economic value of territory?

The economic value of territory has decreased due to the rise of multinational companies that operate transnationally. Signup and view all the answers

How does the aging population affect military capacity according to the Geriatric Peace theory?

An aging population may diminish the working-age population, leading to economic slowdowns and reduced military capacity. Signup and view all the answers

What is religious terrorism and how does it differ from other forms?

Religious terrorism involves individuals committing acts of violence based on deeply held beliefs, setting it apart from motivations based on political or economic goals. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can refugees be viewed as a burden by states?

States may perceive refugees as a social welfare burden, leading to unwelcoming attitudes and potential misuse in coercive strategies. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Part 1: Terms and Definitions

Hegemony: Domination of one state or group over the international system.
Multipolar System: International system with 5-6 centers of power, not grouped in alliances.
Bipolar System: International system with two roughly equal superpowers.
Kenneth Waltz: Distinguished the international system from the domestic system.
Prisoner's Dilemma: Game theory model where rational actors pursuing self-interest achieve worse outcomes than by cooperating.
Individual Level of Analysis: Focuses on individual perceptions, choices, and actions.
Domestic Level of Analysis: Examines domestic aggregations influencing state actions.
Systemic Level of Analysis: Focuses on the interaction of states in the international system as causal factors.
Nonstate Actors: Entities operating across borders, including bureaucracies, interest groups, and military-industrial complexes.
Bureaucracies (non-state actors): Diplomatic services, national security councils, defense departments.
Interest Groups (non-state actors): Coalitions advocating for specific political outcomes.
Military-Industrial Complex (non-state actor): Interlocking network of government, industry, and research for military supply.
Intergovernmental Organizations (non-state actors): UN, NATO.
Nongovernmental Organizations (non-state actors): Red Cross, Amnesty International.
International Regime: Set of rules, norms, and procedures guiding expectations on a specific international issue.
Democratic Peace: Democracies rarely fight each other but may fight together against authoritarian states.
Constructivism: Focuses on how ideas shape state interests and identities.
Neoliberal Approach: Emphasizes the role of international institutions in reducing conflict in the international system.
Affective Bias: Emotions influencing decision-makers' assessments of consequences.
Cognitive Bias: Systematic errors in thinking due to limitations in decision-making ability.
Bounded Rationality: Seeking satisfactory solutions that meet minimal criteria rather than optimizing.
Prospect Theory: Decision-making involving two phases: editing and evaluation, often comparative to a reference point. Fears of loss outweigh gains.
MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction): Mutual second-strike nuclear capabilities deterring large-scale war.
Logic of Deterrence: Capacity for retaliation preventing one side from initiating war.
Anarchy: Absence of a central government enforcing laws in the international system.
Irredentism: Nationalist goal of regaining lost territory.
Secession: Effort of a region to break away from a state.
Tragedy of the Commons: Overuse of shared resources due to individual self-interest.
Collective Action Problem: Difficulty in organizing large groups due to free-riding.
Global Warming and Triple Problem: Paying short-term costs for uncertain long-term benefits related to climate change.
North-South Divide: Global South countries disproportionately affected by emissions from larger states.
Kyoto Protocol: International treaty aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by developed countries.
Paris Agreement: UN climate agreement addressing emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance.
Demographic Transition: Change from high birth/death rates to low birth/death rates in a population.
Falklands War: Conflict between Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands.
UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea): Maritime law convention defining territorial waters and exclusive economic zones.
BRICS: Group of emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
Export-Led Growth: Economic strategy focusing on industries competing in the global economy.
Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI): Industrialization strategy relying on domestic production of imported goods.
Tokyo Subway Attack: Aum Shinrikyo sarin attack in 1995, killing 13.
Senkaku Islands: Islands disputed between Japan and China.
South China Sea Disputes: Maritime disputes among several countries (e.g., Brunei, China, Philippines).
Good Governance Model (Counterterrorism): Higher economic development reduces grievances and fundamentalist ideals.
Legibility (Counterterrorism): Mapping social/economic/political territory to identify threats.
Speed (Counterterrorism): Pace of counterterrorism in gaining information or targeting threats.
Security Dilemma: Improving one state's security can threaten others' security.

Part 2: Terms and Short Answers

Power: Two components: influence and capability. Measured often by material capabilities like GDP.
Liberal Theories of International Relations (Kant): Peace is possible through institutions, state character, and international trade.
Constructivism Example (Nationalism): Identity and interests are shaped by social norms and interactions (e.g., nationalism).
Territorial Disputes: Can be land or maritime, often driven by material resources (e.g., oil) and less commonly by economic value.
Causes of Territorial Disputes: Material (resources, strategic value) and non-material (nationalism, ethnicity) causes.
Geriatric Peace Theory (Haas): Aging population associated with less resources for defense spending and economic decline, lowering chance for warfare.
Coercive Engineered Migration: Weaker states using refugees as leverage against stronger states.
Terrorism Types: State-sponsored and non-state actor terrorism. Non-state terrorism often uses civilians as leverage against a state.
Religious Terrorism: Motivated by deep religious beliefs, willing to sacrifice for religious goals.
Counterterrorism Measures: Good governance (economic development), and military effectiveness are needed. Challenges include asymmetrical warfare, non-state actor nature of terrorists, and urban settings.
Collective Action Problem: Difficulty in organizing large groups due to free-riding.
Global Warming and Triple Problem: The dilemma of short-term costs versus uncertain long-term benefits (e.g., cost of emissions reductions vs global climate benefits).

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Test your understanding of key concepts in international relations with this quiz. Covering terms such as hegemony, bipolar systems, and levels of analysis, this quiz will help reinforce your knowledge of the theories that shape global interactions. Perfect for students of political science and international studies.