International Relations Theories Quiz

Question 1

• A theory of international relations emphasizing a state's interest in accumulating power to ensure security in an anarchic world
• Based on the notion that individuals are power-seeking and states act in pursuit of their own national interest defined in terms of power
• This is Realism

Question 2

• After the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, President Biden stated that American troops cannot fight a war where Afghan forces are unwilling to fight.
• The President's decision can best be characterized by Realism.

Question 3

• An alternative international relations theory hypothesizes how culture, ideas, norms and institutions shape state identity and interests.
• This is Constructivism

Question 4

• In international relations, according to Realism, states are the main actors.

Question 5

• Liberalists argue that capitalism needs a reliable rule of law with enforceable contractual obligations
• Realists emphasize material factors
• Constructivists emphasize the importance of ideas and identity influencing state behavior.
• All of the above are correct

Question 6

• The theoretical perspective based on the assumption that the individual is naturally good and that international institutions promote social progress is Liberalism

Question 7

• The theory of international law and regime belongs to the Liberalism paradigm

Question 8

• One assumption of Realism is not that states are the most important actors.
• All states are unitary and rational actors.
• States tend to pursue self-interest and arrive at relations with other states on their own.
• The international system is well-organized with designed authority and government

Question 9

• A hypothesis that military power has a positive effect on war and conflict comes from liberal theories
• Interdependence has no effect on peace and conflict
• Democracy has a positive effect on peace and conflict.
• Anarchy has no effect on states

Question 10

• The nature of human beings cannot be separated from their historical context. This is a key principle of Constructivism

Question 1 (Page 4)

• Crises during the Cold War, involving competition but without direct military conflict, are best described as Proxy Wars

Question 2 (Page 4)

• According to Gorbachev, Soviet system struggles were not due to Soviet people finding satisfaction in their work

Question 3 (Page 4)

• In 1985, there was a summit between US President Reagan and Soviet leader Gorbachev, focusing on de-escalating the nuclear arms race and improving East-West relations

Question 4 (Page 5)

• The Cold War was characterized by fundamental incompatibilities between the US and Soviet Union, primarily in ideologies, national interests, and mutual misperceptions

Question 5 (Page 5)

• Deepest causes of Soviet collapse are the decline of communist ideology and economic failure

Question 6 (Page 5)

• Perestroika meant reconstructing

Question 7 (Page 5)

• Glasnost brought accountability of government officials to the Soviet Union

Question 8 (Page 6)

• The Sino-Soviet Split was caused by the Soviet Union shooting down a US U-2 spy plane in 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the 1962 Sino-Indian War

Question 9 (Page 6)

• Mikhail Gorbachev instituted Glasnost and Perestroika reforms

Question 10 (Page 6)

• Deng Xiaoping received the Nobel Prize for his role in the radical changes of East-West relations

Question 1 (Page 7)

• The U.S. plays the role of Provider of a security umbrella in its Northeast Asian alliances

Question 2 (Page 7)

• Japan and South Korea are crucial to the U.S. as they host U.S. Military bases, and are key economic allies.

Question 3 (Page 7)

• Key geostrategic advantage for Japan and South Korea is maintaining the U.S military presence in Northeast Asia

Question 4 (Page 8)

• Japan and South Korea prioritize their relationship with the U.S., relying on the US as a security supporter, focusing on U.S. cooperation, and maintaining military alliances.

Question 5 (Page 8)

• One strategic adjustment of the U.S. since the Cold War is strengthening its presence through alliances and bases in Northeast Asia

Question 6 (Page 8)

• The U.S.-Japan-and-South Korea relationship is both cooperative and competitive.

Question 7 (Page 8)

• A key feature of international relations in Northeast Asia after the Cold War is the emergence of new factors creating both competition and cooperation

Question 8 (Page 8)

• Japan and South Korea are economically valuable to the U.S. due to their ability to counter adversaries economically and politically.

Question 9 (Page 8)

• Hosting military bases in Japan and South Korea allows the U.S. to maintain regional military dominance.

Question 10 (Page 8)

• The strategic triangle in the document is amongst the U.S., China, and India

Question 11 (Page 9)

• Japan and South Korea rely heavily on the U.S. due to their lack of independent economic strength and facing isolation and tensions with neighboring countries

Question 12 (Page 9)

• "Security umbrella" implies protection against regional security threats and a shared military budget

Question 13 (Page 9)

• Japan and South Korea are key Northeast Asian allies for the U.S.

Question 14 (Page 9)

• Japan and South Korea face challenges like economic competition and security tensions, which strengthens their ties with the U.S.

Question 15 (Page 9)

• A major U.S. strategic goal in Northeast Asia since the Cold War is maintaining military and economic dominance in the region.

Question 1 (Page 10)

• Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank is a financial institution established in 2016 by China to counterbalance Japan and the U.S. in Asia in terms of financial assistance.

Question 2 (Page 10)

• 'Made in China 2025' is a state-led industrial policy to secure China's position as a global powerhouse in high-tech industries that rely on less foreign innovation.

Question 3 (Page 10)

• Confucius Institutes are worldwide to facilitate cultural exchanges and promote Chinese culture, and spread Chinese language.

Question 4 (Page 11)

• China getting the COVID-19 vaccine as the first country would improve its image as a global technology leader, and ease global criticism of how it handled the pandemic.

Question 5 (Page 11)

• Confucius Institutes were established in 2005.

Question 6 (Page 11)

• 'Belt and Road Initiative' is a massive project adopted in 2013 by China to develop countries' infrastructure, telecommunications, and energy through financial assistance

Question 7 (Page 11)

• China become the factory of the world due to large consumer market, good facilities and infrastructure, and cheap labor force

Question 8 (Page 12)

• The 19th Chinese Communist Party Congress in 2013 marked a significant shift in China's leadership and development

Question 9 (Page 12)

• Xi Jinping's presidency was a significant event, igniting the Chinese economy in the early 21st century.

Question 10 (Page 12)

• China's influence in countries using Belt and Road framework may impact their foreign policies

Question 1 (Page 13)

• The UN Security Council passed Resolution 1718 in 2009 condemning North Korea's first nuclear test

Question 2 (Page 13)

• In 1994, North Korea signed the Agreed Framework to freeze its nuclear program

Question 3 (Page 13)

• A significant outcome of the 2018 Singapore Summit was a joint statement committing to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Question 4 (Page 13)

• The stalemate in the six-party talks from 2003 to 2017 was due to disagreements over denuclearization and sanctions relief

Question 5 (Page 13)

• North Korea proposed the dismantling of its Yongbyon nuclear facility in exchange for sanctions relief during the Singapore Summit

Question 6 (Page 13)

• The primary focus of U.S. foreign policy regarding North Korea from 2017 onwards was denuclearization

Question 7 (Page 14)

• Resolution 2397 imposed new restrictions on oil imports to North Korea

Question 8 (Page 14)

• The Hanoi Summit in 2019 concluded without an agreement, and the U.S. did not lift any sanctions.

Question 1 (Page 15)

• One major reason for the adjustment of foreign policies by major countries in the region is geopolitical competition.

Question 2 (Page 15)

• U.S. deployed THAAD missile defense system in South Korea

Question 3 (Page 15)

• Military exercises conducted by the U.S. include small-scale training, joint military drills, and humanitarian operations

Question 4 (Page 15)

• The U.S. approaches dialogue with North Korea by balancing economic pressure with negotiation opportunities.

Question 5 (Page 15)

• Russia is not mentioned as a key player in the U.S. dialogue with North Korea.

Question 6(Page 15)

• True: The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Indo-Pacific as part of foreign policy adjustments.

Question 7(Page 15)

• False : South Korea has completely abandoned dialogue with North Korea under President Moon Jae-in's administration

Question 8(Page 15)

• True: The U.S. held summit meetings with North Korea to improve relations and discuss denuclearization.

Question 9(Page 15)

• False: The THAAD missile defense system deployment has been welcomed by all neighboring countries without any tensions

Question 10(Page 15)

• True: The U.S. aims to enhance multilateral cooperation through mechanisms like the Quad

Question 1 (Page 16)

• The U.S., Japan, and South Korea are making adjustments to increased military cooperation to address regional challenges

Question 2 (Page 16)

• China is viewed as a competitor by the U.S. in Northeast Asia

Question 3 (Page 16)

• A significant concern among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea is North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, leading to enhanced trilateral cooperation

Question 4 (Page 16)

• The issues not mentioned as a point of contention are not mentioned regarding U.S.-China relations.

Question 1 (Page 17)

• The latest trilateral meetings among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea produced agreements on climate policies and joint military exercises

Question 2 (Page 17)

• The U.S. view on China's sovereignty and relations with Taiwan is not neutrality, support for China's claims, or support for Taiwan's independence.

Question 3 (Page 18)

• Vietnam's relationship philosophy progresses from "willing to be friends," to "ready to be friends," to "being friends and a reliable partner"

Question 4 (Page 18)

• Focusing solely on military alliances is not a priority in Vietnam's foreign policy

Question 5 (Page 18)

• Vietnam's overarching goal is to be a responsible member of the international community

Question 6 (Page 18)

• Relevant countries mentioned in the context of Vietnam's foreign policy towards Northeast Asia are China, Japan, and South Korea.

Test your understanding of key theories in international relations, including Realism and Constructivism. This quiz covers essential concepts such as the role of power, state interests, and the impact of culture and norms on international affairs.