Modern History Quiz: Japan and the Ottoman Empire

A period in Japanese history from 1603 to 1868 characterized by the rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate, national isolation, and a strict social hierarchy.

A series of reforms in Japan between 1868 and 1912 aimed at modernizing the country and making it a world power.

The process by which a country adopts Western culture, technology, and ideas.

A conflict between Russia and the Ottoman Empire (supported by Britain and France) from 1853 to 1856 over the control of Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and control of the Black Sea.

The name given to the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, reflecting its decline and weakness, due to internal and external pressures.

A series of reforms implemented in the Ottoman Empire in the mid-19th century aimed at modernizing the state and economy, but ultimately proved unsuccessful.

A secret agreement between Britain and France (1916) during World War I, dividing up the Ottoman Empire's territory in the Middle East after the war, without consulting the Arab leaders who had helped the Allies.

A treaty signed in 1923 formally ending World War I and establishing the boundaries of Turkey, and recognizing the independence of the newly created countries in the Middle East.

A type of liberalism that emphasizes transnational relations between individuals and groups across borders, arguing that these relationships are more peaceful than state-level interactions.

The idea that liberal democracies are more peaceful and law-abiding than other political systems because they are based on a culture of peaceful conflict resolution and citizen participation in decision-making.

A system of collective international governance and cooperation that respects human rights, promotes democratic norms and peaceful conflict resolution, and encourages economic interdependence.

The belief that liberal democracies share common values and institutions that foster peaceful relations and discourage conflict.

The concept that states become more interconnected through trade, economic cooperation, and shared interests, making war less likely due to the potential costs of disruption.

The use of persuasion, diplomacy, and cultural influence to achieve foreign policy objectives, as opposed to military force.

The idea that states, seeking security in an anarchic world, are forced to increase their military power, which ironically makes others feel less secure and leads to a cycle of escalating tensions.

A theory arguing that states, driven by their desire for power, constantly aim for regional or global hegemony, making international relations inherently competitive and conflict-prone.

A theory suggesting states primarily seek security and are content with maintaining the existing balance of power, emphasizing caution and avoiding unnecessary risks.

The state of being a dominant power in a region or globally, possessing significant influence and capabilities to shape international affairs.

The idea that nuclear weapons, if held by multiple states, can create a stable balance of power, deterring aggression and preventing major conflicts.

A situation where the international system is unstable and prone to conflict due to the presence of multiple great powers vying for influence and power.

The idea that the structure of the international system shapes state behavior, such as the distribution of power, rather than individual state characteristics.

The challenge that realism faced in explaining the peaceful dissolution of the Soviet Union, given its focus on hard power and conflict.

The idea that the international system is shaped by the interactions of states, which in turn influences state interests. This approach emphasizes the importance of social and historical factors in shaping state behavior.

The interaction of states within the international system is determined by the underlying structures, primarily institutions and shared meanings that govern behavior. These structures shape state interests and influence their actions.

An approach that emphasizes the importance of the state in world politics, arguing that states are rational actors pursuing their national interests in an anarchic international system.

A view that national interests are not fixed but evolve through interactions and social processes. States develop identities and roles based on their experiences in the system.

A school of thought that views international relations in terms of economic competition between states. It emphasizes the importance of national wealth and power in achieving national objectives.

A political and economic theory that emphasizes the role of class conflict in shaping history and society. It views the state as an instrument of the ruling class, used to maintain its power and control.

A situation where the gain of one actor comes at the expense of another. There is no possibility for mutual benefit or cooperation.

A theoretical framework that focuses on understanding how economic factors influence state behavior and the international system. They utilize concepts like national wealth, trade, and resource distribution.

A political ideology emphasizing traditional values, strong national security, and limited government intervention. It often promotes a strict moral code, opposes multiculturalism, and advocates for US global leadership.

A perspective that views the US as uniquely exceptional, destined to champion democracy and freedom globally. It often justifies unilateral actions and military interventions in the name of promoting American ideals.

The belief that the US has a moral obligation to spread democracy and liberal values around the world, often through military force. It emphasizes the use of preemptive military strikes to address perceived threats.

A view that emphasizes the importance of institution building and strengthening internal structures for successful nation-building, as opposed to solely relying on military force and promoting democracy from the outside.

The tendency to undervalue the impact of conflict on women and children, focusing primarily on the narratives of men and military power.

A system of values that justifies the subjugation of both women within the domestic sphere and other political entities in the international arena.

The use of international development indexes like GDP often masks significant discrepancies in employment, wages, and opportunities for women.

The practice of viewing women's bodies as a prize to be conquered, reflecting a patriarchal and exploitative mindset.

The idea that states may be unable to credibly commit to not using force, even if they intend to be peaceful. This can lead to preemptive or preventative wars, as states anticipate potential future threats.

The tendency for leaders in democracies to be more careful about backing down from threats, due to the potential for public criticism and loss of support. This can make it difficult to negotiate with democratic leaders, as they may feel pressured to maintain a tough stance.

The 1962 crisis between the US and the Soviet Union over the placement of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba. This event was a high point of tension and demonstrated the potential for escalation in the Cold War.

The use of military force to attack an opponent before they can launch a strike. Often used in cases where a state believes it is facing an imminent threat.