International Relations Theories Quiz

A theoretical framework that structures research by defining what is important to study, how to study it, and what normative commitments are held.

A set of assumptions about the nature of reality and how we can know it.

A set of assumptions about how we can acquire knowledge about the world.

A set of values or beliefs that guide research and influence the interpretation of findings.

A theory that explains events by focusing on the role of states and the anarchical international system. It argues that class structures don't matter.

A theory that explains events by focusing on the role of class struggle. It argues that states don't matter.

A theory that explains events by focusing on the role of ideas and discourses. It argues that neither states nor classes matter.

Theories that provide explanations for specific events or phenomena within a broader theoretical framework.

The idea that states are the primary actors in international relations, driven by their pursuit of power and security, making a peaceful world difficult.

A perspective that emphasizes cooperation and interdependence between states, aiming for a more peaceful and prosperous world through diplomacy and international institutions.

A system of language, rules, and concepts that orders how we think about the world, including political ideas.

The process of analyzing language and its underlying power structures, often revealing hidden inequalities or biases.

The idea that the past influences the present and can explain a nation's current actions, culture, and aspirations.

The study of international relations often overlaps with the study of world history, given the interconnectedness of events and actors.

Philosophical questions about the nature of reality, existence, and the world's composition.

Questions about how we gain knowledge, what we can know, and the limits of our understanding.

Ethical and moral considerations that address what we should do, rather than what is.

Theories aiming to explain specific events, behaviors, or patterns in the world, often using empirical data.

Theories that explain the world by revealing underlying patterns, regularities, and statistical relationships.

Theories that focus on understanding how social structures and interactions shape our understanding of the world.

Cultural patterns and historical experiences shape the future aspirations of individuals, countries, and organizations.

The Chinese empire's decline fostered a culture valuing hierarchy, stability, and long-term planning. This influences China's current approach.

Europe's history of small states and frequent conflicts led to a desire for expansion, resource acquisition, and population control.

The Treaty of Versailles, which established the League of Nations, marked a significant shift towards a system of sovereign states. This laid the foundation for the modern international order.

The Cold War became a central concern for Western academics, prompting the need for an understanding of the Soviet Union and its global influence.

History shows contingencies and unpredictable events, highlighting the potential for individual contributions and the importance of paying attention to seemingly insignificant details.

Historical events are complex and cannot be fully understood through simple explanations. There are always exceptions to any rule.

Historical events are often interconnected and influence international relations.

The regularized practices of exchange between political units, ranging from sparse diplomatic protocols to intensive trade, security arrangements, and codified rules.

A period of great divergence between Western powers and the rest of the world, marked by rapid industrialization, imperial expansion, and the spread of capitalism in the West.

The process of transforming raw materials into finished goods using machines and organized labor, leading to economic growth and technological advancements.

The expansion of a nation's power and influence through territorial conquest, economic control, and political domination over other regions.

A global economic system characterized by interconnected markets, free trade, and the movement of capital across borders.

A period in history characterized by the establishment of nation-states, the decline of feudalism, and the rise of modern diplomacy.

The rise of the West refers to the period when Western European countries gained dominance in the world, driven by factors like industrialization, imperialism, and the expansion of capitalism.

The study of international relations is concerned with the interactions, relationships, and conflicts between different actors in the world, such as states, organizations, and individuals.

The social structures and institutions that shape how we understand and experience being male or female.

The physical differences between men and women, including biological characteristics.

The idea that masculinity and femininity are not fixed, but are constantly evolving in relation to each other.

There are many different ways to be masculine or feminine, and these ways change over time and across cultures.

Gender matters because it's linked to power dynamics, privilege, and how we understand the world.

The way actors in international relations understand and interact with each other is shaped by shared norms and values.

Power dynamics and competition for influence exist within the framework of shared norms and values. Actors try to change these norms to their advantage.

The idea that international anarchy is not a fixed state of nature, but rather a product of how states interact and choose to behave.

The identities and interests of states are not inherent, but are shaped through interaction with other actors in the international system.

States' choices and actions are determined by how they understand and interpret the international system, not just by objective circumstances.

A theoretical approach to international relations that emphasizes cooperation, institutions, and the pursuit of shared interests in a more peaceful and interdependent international system. It believes that international institutions and norms can help mitigate conflict and promote progress.

The idea that democratic states are less likely to go to war with one another. The theory suggests that democracies share values, have peaceful means of resolving disputes, and are more transparent and accountable to their citizens, making them less likely to engage in aggression.

A branch of realist theory that focuses on the impact of the international system's structure on state behavior. It argues that the anarchical nature of the international system forces states to prioritize security and power maximization.

A branch of realist theory that emphasizes the importance of state leaders and their decisions in shaping international relations. It focuses on the motivations, beliefs, and ideologies of individuals who hold positions of power.

A realist perspective that emphasizes the need for states to focus on maintaining a balance of power in the international system. By balancing their power against potential rivals, states can deter aggression and preserve their security.

A realist perspective that emphasizes the benefits of pursuing power maximization. States that strive for greater power and dominance are more likely to achieve their goals in the anarchical international system.

A realist perspective that emphasizes the importance of signaling a reputation for carrying out threats and upholding promises. By demonstrating a consistent pattern of action, leaders can gain credibility and deter potential adversaries.

A form of imperialism where economic and political control is exerted over a country despite its formal independence. Former colonies may still experience economic dependence and political influence from their former colonizers.

A system of thought that views Europe as the center of civilization and history, often overlooking or devaluing other cultures and contributions from around the world.

A term used to describe the colonized or marginalized groups who are often silenced or excluded from mainstream narratives.

A way of imagining and representing the 'other' cultures in ways that justify and support imperialism. It often portrays non-European cultures as inferior, irrational, or exotic.

Colonialism's impact extends beyond physical violence to also encompass psychological, social, and cultural destruction, including the imposition of languages and religions.

The resistance to imperialism and colonialism became more organized and politically active in the early 20th century due to improved infrastructure, mobility, and the spread of anti-colonial ideas.

It emphasizes how power structures not only rely on violence but also on cultural and ideological control to maintain dominance.

Colonialism as a system of violence encompasses not only physical violence but also economic, political, psychological, social, and cultural destruction.

A global system with one superpower dominating international relations.

A system with two major powers balancing each other's influence.

The US sought to shape international relations after the Cold War.

The transition of Russia from a centralized planned economy to a market-driven economy.

Putin's approach to asserting Russia's role in international relations.

A realist approach to international relations, focusing on the importance of self-interest and power.

The unification of a divided Europe, leading to greater stability and security.

A global system with a strong emphasis on international cooperation and institutions.

The concept of a 'Third World' was a political project with the goal of achieving true independence from Western influence. It was a different, non-Western approach to economic modernization, with the objective of finding an alternative to the traditional path of development followed by European nations.

The challenges faced by many less developed countries include heavy debt burdens, widespread poverty, inadequate healthcare services, and poor infrastructure. These issues can lead to mass migration from the Global South to the prosperous North in search of better opportunities.

The rise of China has considerably impacted Asia, leading to increased tensions with the United States. China's economic growth and expanding influence have shifted the regional and global power dynamics.

The Cold War era in Asia witnessed numerous revolutions, wars, and insurrections, resulting in significant loss of life. Despite predictions of a turbulent future, Asia has experienced relative peace and substantial economic prosperity since the end of the Cold War.

The European Union (EU) faces various challenges, with some skeptics arguing that these challenges threaten its very existence. On the other hand, supporters of the EU contend it has the economic capability and political will to overcome these obstacles successfully.

The absence of a higher political authority above states in the international system, leading to a competitive environment where each state prioritizes its own survival and security.

The idea that each state is responsible for its own security and survival, as other states cannot be trusted and international organizations are too weak.

A state's desire to maintain its power and influence, often striving to dominate other states or regions. This can lead to conflict as states compete for resources and territory.

The primary aim of states in international relations is to ensure their survival by accumulating power to deter potential threats and survive in the international system.

The capacity to influence or control others in international relations. It is a relative concept, meaning power is measured in comparison with other actors. States can have power in different areas like military, economic, or cultural.

A fundamental characteristic of the international system, where the absence of a central authority leads to competition and potential conflict. States are constantly interacting and vying for power, resources, and security.

The principle of balancing power among states to prevent any one state from achieving dominance. States align with others to counter potential threats and maintain stability.

The social, institutional, and cultural ways in which societies understand and construct differences between men and women, leading to specific roles, behaviors, and power dynamics.

The biological differences between men and women, including physical characteristics.

The systems of norms and practices that shape how gender differences are valued and reinforced, leading to privileges, disadvantages, and inequalities.

The belief that liberal principles, such as universal human rights and democracy, are inherently hegemonic and will inevitably lead to conflict as other states seek to balance against the liberal hegemon.

The study of how geography impacts international relations, particularly the link between political power and geographical conditions.

A variant of neorealism that argues that states should prioritize maintaining a balance of power to deter aggression, often requiring internal reforms.

A variant of neorealism that argues that states should strive for maximum power and seek dominance as the best route to security.

A key idea within realism, arguing that the lack of a global authority in international relations forces states to prioritize their own security and interests.

Realists believe that power is the most important factor in international relations, as states constantly compete for resources and influence.