National Power and State Interdependence

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Questions and Answers

What does Mearsheimer identify as essential for converting potential power into actual power?

Size of population and level of wealth (correct)

Natural resources and technological advancements

Geopolitical location and economic ties

Military might and strategic alliances

Which of the following is NOT one of the eight drivers of national power?

Technology

Energy

Transportation infrastructure (correct)

Economic

What is referred to as a state’s sensitivity in the context of interdependence?

The ability to quickly adapt to external disruptions

The mutual dependence between states in trade

The state's capacity to leverage external resources

The immediate impact of external actions on a state (correct)

In terms of vulnerability, which scenario best represents a state that is highly vulnerable?

A state that relies solely on imported natural gas without alternatives Signup and view all the answers

What might enhance a state actor's domestic political position according to the idea of legitimacy?

Mobilizing domestic resources through state initiatives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a state to be recognized as a person of international law?

Economic stability Signup and view all the answers

According to structural realism, which variable is considered the fundamental ordering principle of international politics?

Anarchy Signup and view all the answers

What does the security dilemma describe in the context of international relations?

When one state's efforts to increase its security leads to increased tensions with other states Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between offensive realists and defensive realists?

Offensive realists aim to gain as much power as possible, while defensive realists promote limited power acquisition. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods can states use to increase their power externally?

Forming alliances Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of relative gains imply in international relations?

State A's gains are measured against State B's losses. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of international politics, what type of system is characterized by the absence of a supreme authority?

Anarchic Signup and view all the answers

What type of power constellation is defined by a single dominant state controlling the international system?

Hegemony Signup and view all the answers

How does the number of players affect the defection problem?

More players exacerbate the defection problem. Signup and view all the answers

What is the realist perspective on international law's ability to create order?

International law is ineffective due to lack of enforcement. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these characterizes a zero-sum game?

One party's gain is another party's loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary barrier to cooperation in anarchy, according to the content?

Self-interest and opportunism dominate. Signup and view all the answers

International regimes serve to transform interactions in what way?

From single-play to iterated games. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'tragedy of the commons' refer to in the context provided?

The depletion of shared resources due to individual self-interest. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how do liberals view the role of international law?

It helps with coordination and conflict resolution. Signup and view all the answers

What do institutionalists argue about the autonomy of international organizations (IOs)?

IOs can gain autonomy and act independently Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'payoff structure'?

The arrangement of benefits or consequences resulting from decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit associated with international organizations?

Promotion of unilateral actions Signup and view all the answers

Which theory best describes the relationship between states and international organizations regarding delegation and autonomy?

Principal-agent theory Signup and view all the answers

What is one method through which international organizations help combat non-compliance?

By applying sanctions Signup and view all the answers

According to institutionalists, how do international organizations contribute to economic prosperity?

By promoting economic interlinkage and shared values Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true concerning IOs and transaction costs?

IOs help reduce transaction and information costs Signup and view all the answers

In the context of international regimes, what do realists generally believe about the role of hegemonic powers?

They see regimes as serving only their interests. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'non-state actors' refer to in the context of international relations?

Entities such as NGOs and multinational corporations Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary belief of liberalism regarding the global system?

It promotes international cooperation to further each nation’s interests. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best differentiates liberalism from neoliberalism?

Liberalism arose during the Enlightenment period. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the UN goals related to public health?

Improve military capacity in nations Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is highlighted by functionalists regarding cooperation between states?

Cooperation in one area can lead to collaboration in other areas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of global health governance according to the content?

Addressing economic inequities and social determinants of health Signup and view all the answers

In what way do international regimes contribute to states’ behavior according to the content?

They foster a risk-averse mentality through monitoring. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) as described in the content?

To provide standards and technical recommendations for public health goals Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which statement about peacekeeping operations is true?

Regional organizations should be prioritized over the UN in peacekeeping Signup and view all the answers

What does the spill-over effect in functionalism suggest?

Confidence in lower-level cooperation can enhance security cooperation. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is consistent with the realist point of view on international regimes?

International regimes should not manage environmental programs. Signup and view all the answers

What does 're-hatting' refer to in the context of peacekeeping?

Transitioning soldiers from national to UN authority Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of neoliberalism compared to liberalism?

Emphasis on reducing government involvement in the economy. Signup and view all the answers

Constructivism in foreign policy emphasizes which of the following?

The influence of nation’s belief systems and culture Signup and view all the answers

Which underlying determinant of health must global health governance address?

Economic inequities and other social determinants Signup and view all the answers

What role does information warehousing and sharing play in international relations?

It contributes to a shared understanding of risks and cooperation. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the stated responsibilities of individual countries regarding health?

To ensure international cooperation for population protection Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Realism (Classical and Structural)

States, as actors in international law, must possess a permanent population, defined territory, government, and capacity to interact with other states.
Hobbes believed conflict stems from human nature's inherent wickedness.
Machiavelli viewed humans as inherently wicked.
Structural realism emphasizes anarchy, states as basic units, and the distribution of power as key drivers of international politics.

Virtues of Anarchy

Self-help system: States are responsible for their own security.
Smart states: Prudent states that carefully consider risks before engaging in conflict.

International System

It's a self-help system.
Lack of integration and fear of dependency exist.

Gaining Power

States increase power through internal strengthening (economy and military) and external alliances.
Relative gains: State A's gain comes at the expense of State B.
Offensive realism: States aim for hegemony.
Defensive realism: States seek sufficient power to maintain status quo.

Conflict

Conflict arises when states become more powerful or less powerful, according to neoliberalism/neorealism.
Arms races can result from security dilemmas where strengthening oneself leads to the other side doing the same, escalating insecurity and tension.
Distribution of power among states contributes to conflict or stability.

Diplomacy

Diplomacy aims to avoid threats and exploit opportunities to serve national interests in an anarchic world.
Threats and opportunities are based on a state's understanding of other states' intentions and capabilities.
Morgenthau describes four tasks: Assessing national and foreign power, verifying compatibility of objectives, utilizing appropriate means, and pursuing national interests.
National interests are about the nation's security and integrity.

Power

Power is the influence that actors (like states) exert on other actors to get them to behave in a certain way.
Power can be categorized as hard (coercion and payment) or soft (attraction).
Smart power combines hard and soft tactics.

International Law

International law is a body of rules that governs interstate relations, defining rights and obligations.
Realists see international law as ineffective due to the absence of a central enforcement mechanism and the prevalence of power politics.
Liberals conversely see anarchy as a lack of coordination, and international law as a crucial tool for facilitating cooperation and maintaining order.

International Organizations (IOs)

IOs (international organizations) can reduce transaction and information costs to enhance cooperation.
IOs can also gain autonomy (independence from states' directives).
IOs are a reflection of the distribution of power. Liberals and critical theorists have different opinions regarding this statement.

Collective Security

Collective security systems define aggression and commit all members to respond collectively if threatened.
Includes organizations like the UN and NATO.

Additional Notes

States can mobilize resources internally (domestically or through resource extraction) and externally (through trade or alliances).
Balancing and bandwagoning are two ways states can secure themselves.

Power and interdependence

Mutual dependence between states for resources can grant one state leverage when another is less dependent.
Interdependence can result in sensitivity and vulnerability to external shocks.
Asymmetry in interdependence can result in leverage for one party.

Constructivism

Constructivism explains states' behaviour through their beliefs, cultural, historical and social perspectives.
International institutions and norms matter in shaping state action.
Knowledge, resources, and practice make up social structures.

Functionalism

Functionalism suggests that cooperation in low-level areas (like economics) can spill over to higher-level political cooperation.

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Description

Explore the key concepts regarding national power and interdependence as outlined by Mearsheimer. This quiz delves into the essential drivers of power and examines how states can convert potential power into actual influence. Test your understanding of state sensitivity, vulnerability scenarios, and the role of legitimacy in enhancing domestic political positions.