Middle and Great Powers in Global Politics

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the responsibilities of great powers in improving the global situation?

Expansion of military bases worldwide

Increased economic monopolization

Implementation of democratic governance (correct)

Limiting international cooperation

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of middle powers as defined by Hamil?

Considerable military resources

Relative economic capability

Good international citizens

Ambition for global dominance (correct)

Which of the following roles do middle powers fulfill according to the described behaviors?

Military aggressors in international conflicts

Promoters of unilateral policies

Visionary leaders for world domination

Mediators for global peace (correct)

What criterion is considered for determining middle powers?

Economic and military capacity relative to neighbors Signup and view all the answers

How do middle powers typically approach international issues?

Through coalition building and diplomacy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects does NOT contribute to the definition of middle powers?

Aspiration towards global hegemony Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected position of great powers during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic?

Providing leadership in international cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern driving military intervention by great powers?

Combatting terrorism and authoritarian regimes Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the characteristics of South Africa in the context of its global influence?

Has achieved greater influence at a global than regional level Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following countries is NOT typically classified as a middle power?

Egypt Signup and view all the answers

What defines emerging powers in the context provided?

States that achieve accelerated economic development primarily through industrialization Signup and view all the answers

What concept is associated with BRICS in the 21st century?

Emergence of great powers with a unified development concept Signup and view all the answers

Which states are recognized as great powers in the UN Security Council?

United States, China, Russia, France, United Kingdom Signup and view all the answers

Why might small states be considered 'policy takers' rather than 'policy makers'?

Their limited resources often constrain their ability to influence policy Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of great powers regarding their military status?

They can be defeated militarily only by another great power. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common debate regarding the definition of small states?

Smallness is a subjective criterion with no single definition Signup and view all the answers

What is one objective of the Biden Administration's foreign policy?

Promote democracy and counter threats from China and Russia Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'soft power' imply for small states?

They can influence cooperation despite limited power Signup and view all the answers

Which event highlighted the need for a war on terrorism in the United States?

The attack on the US Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a challenge mentioned regarding the internal situation of South Africa?

Possessing a strong regional influence Signup and view all the answers

How do great powers generally manage their military and economic resources?

They concentrate military and economic power, including natural resources and technology. Signup and view all the answers

What can cause a change in the status of a great power according to Gilpin?

The decline of a former hegemon and the rise of a new one, usually through a war Signup and view all the answers

What is one notable aspect of the US foreign policy under the Trump Administration?

Focus on unilateral actions and isolationist policies Signup and view all the answers

What has been a trend in US immigration policy in recent years?

It has become more restrictive due to increasing migration flows. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential alternative for small states regarding their relationship with great powers?

Formation of alliances with other small states Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective suggests that small states can be either autonomous or dependent on international influence?

Hey's three dimensions Signup and view all the answers

Which theoretical perspective describes a top-down order imposed by a charismatic leader or political elite?

Political monism Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the relationship where the United States has created a zone of negative peace in Latin America?

Negative peace zone Signup and view all the answers

How can small states enhance their roles in the global context?

By demonstrating political and economic independence Signup and view all the answers

Which type of relationship does not promote the autonomy of small states?

Clientelism Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the interaction among domestic cultural orientations mentioned by Ebel, Taras, and Cochrane?

The presence of multiple competing ideologies Signup and view all the answers

In the context of small states, what does the term 'negative peace' refer to?

An absence of war without the presence of justice Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to Luxembourg's growth and stability as a small state?

Involvement in regional integration initiatives Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Ecuador's foreign policy was emphasized under Correa's administration (2007-2017)?

A push for Latin American integration Signup and view all the answers

What common problem do small states like Luxembourg and Ecuador face?

Dependence on a limited number of economic sectors Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of Ecuador's foreign policy prior to 2007?

Focus on international law and regional cooperation Signup and view all the answers

How did Moreno's foreign policy (2017-2022) change Ecuador's relationship with the USA?

Adopted a more pragmatic approach to maintain good relations Signup and view all the answers

What perception about the USA did Ecuador hold, particularly regarding its reliability?

The USA had a reputation for inconsistency and unreliability. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributes to the challenges faced by small states post-decolonization?

Struggles with identity and self-esteem Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Assange case play in Ecuador's foreign policy from 2017 to 2022?

It represented a challenge in navigating complex diplomatic scenarios. Signup and view all the answers

What vital economic aspect influenced Ecuador's foreign relations?

Dependence on a few primary exports Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Great Powers and Global Trends

Great powers are the most powerful states, receiving significant attention in international relations analyses.
Their status is formally recognized within international structures like the UN Security Council's P5 (United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom).
Great powers are defined as states only defeatable militarily by other great powers.
These states concentrate significant military and economic power, including natural resources, advanced technology, and educated labor forces.
The decline of a former hegemon and the emergence of a new one, typically through war, can lead to shifts in global power preeminence, according to Gilpin.

Characteristics of a Great Power

Great powers possess substantial military and economic strength alongside significant natural resources, advanced technology, and a well-educated workforce.

Contemporary Highlights (US Foreign Policy)

September 11, 2001 attack on the US Twin Towers led to the "War on Terrorism."
The US engaged in humanitarian interventions and implemented foreign policy changes under the Trump administration.
The US withdrew its forces from Afghanistan.

US Foreign Policy Objectives

Goal 1: Protect America's security, both domestically and internationally.
Goal 2: Enhance America's competitive edge for sustained economic growth and job creation.
Goal 3: Foster American leadership through balanced engagement across various sectors.
Goal 4: Ensure policy effectiveness, accountability, and responsibility to American taxpayers.

Topics of Analysis

Questioning of US policies by other countries.
Restrictive immigration policies in response to increased migration from Central America, Venezuela, and the Middle East.
Military interventions for democratic reform and combating terrorism and authoritarianism.
Unemployment and other domestic problems within the US.
Policy response to the COVID-19 crisis and the emergence of new US leadership in the post-pandemic order, as well as the increased international role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, particularly related to NATO leadership.

Middle Powers

Middle powers are characterized by enduring regional presence, considerable economic and military capacity relative to neighboring states, and a historical-cultural status as civilizational states.
Their ambitions generally do not encompass world domination but rather a sphere of influence in their respective regions.
Examples of such states include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, South Africa, and Turkey.

Emergent Powers

States with growing capabilities and global influence on their path to becoming great powers represent a developing force globally.
Primary economic drivers that contribute include industrialization, with the 21st century BRICS grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa exemplifying this.

Small States

The criteria for defining small states are varied, such as population, territory, and state capacity.
Small states often experience asymmetry and face difficulties being influential compared to larger states.
There are debates regarding the definition of smallness, and the differing roles small states will play in different situations.

Ecuador

Historical Background: Ecuador's history includes past conflict with Peru, a positive relationship with the US and participation in the Non-Aligned Movement.
Socio-economic Aspects: Ecuador faces challenges integrating itself into international liberalism due to economic-social and political instability. Ecuador depends on primary exports with major trade partners.
Identity: Ecuador has a small-state status, diversity and inequality represent factors to be addressed, and ongoing searches for a strong identity.
Foreign Policy (pre-2007): Small-state adherence to international law, cooperation relationships and partnership with other countries, especially the US. Drug trafficking is a significant problem to be addressed in Ecuador, and maintaining reliable partnerships is key.
Foreign Policy (2007-2017): Foreign policy shifts with Correa emphasizing differentiation, criticism of the US, greater international role of Ecuador, full exercise of sovereignty and Latin American integration, and further diversification of economic relations. The need to handle internal problems from corruption to concentration of power and corruption is a key issue.
Foreign Policy (2017-2022): Moreno's administration sees restructuring of foreign affairs and human mobility and a change in approach toward the US and a resolution to the Assange Case. Furthermore, the significant focus on population mobility, Venezuelan presence and the desire by Lasso for more global influence are key factors.

Latin America and Global Trends

Latin America has a diverse historical background, characterized by pre-Columbian cultures, colonization, and later independence movements.
Countries throughout Latin America have varying relations with the US, but common experiences include similar socioeconomic aspects, differing identities and diverse historical backgrounds.
Contemporary analysis explores Latin America's internal partnerships, its relations with other major powers (like China), their regional integrations and challenges faced due to issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, which further impacts their individual foreign policies. Their historical, and cultural patterns impact their ongoing identities as well as global relations.

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Description

This quiz tests your knowledge on the roles and responsibilities of great and middle powers in international relations. Explore concepts such as military intervention, global crises, and the characteristics that define these powers. Challenge yourself with questions related to contemporary global politics and the dynamics between different power classifications.