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Questions and Answers
What key concept is emphasized in realist foreign policy thinking?
What key concept is emphasized in realist foreign policy thinking?
In the context of realism, what is considered the national interest?
In the context of realism, what is considered the national interest?
What does neo-realism suggest about the nature of power rivalries?
What does neo-realism suggest about the nature of power rivalries?
What is the 'billiard ball view' of international relations?
What is the 'billiard ball view' of international relations?
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What critique do behavioralists have regarding realism?
What critique do behavioralists have regarding realism?
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Why is maintaining a balance of power significant in realism?
Why is maintaining a balance of power significant in realism?
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What role does ideology play in realist foreign policy?
What role does ideology play in realist foreign policy?
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How should states approach foreign policy according to neo-realism?
How should states approach foreign policy according to neo-realism?
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What does Christopher Hill imply by characterizing public opinion as 'the Loch Ness of foreign policy'?
What does Christopher Hill imply by characterizing public opinion as 'the Loch Ness of foreign policy'?
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Which of the following best describes the 'CNN Effect'?
Which of the following best describes the 'CNN Effect'?
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What kind of public does Risse-Kappen refer to as 'attentive public'?
What kind of public does Risse-Kappen refer to as 'attentive public'?
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Which role of media involves preparing and directing the public's attention to certain issues?
Which role of media involves preparing and directing the public's attention to certain issues?
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During which circumstances does the public generally show interest in foreign policy affairs?
During which circumstances does the public generally show interest in foreign policy affairs?
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How does media imagery affect the public's perception of foreign events?
How does media imagery affect the public's perception of foreign events?
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What is agenda setting in the context of media's role in foreign policy?
What is agenda setting in the context of media's role in foreign policy?
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What is indicated by the statement that foreign policy involves 'trafficking between think tanks, media commentators, and government spokespersons'?
What is indicated by the statement that foreign policy involves 'trafficking between think tanks, media commentators, and government spokespersons'?
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What is a key commitment of South African foreign policy as outlined in the foreign policy discussion document?
What is a key commitment of South African foreign policy as outlined in the foreign policy discussion document?
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Which organization was transformed into the African Union in 2002?
Which organization was transformed into the African Union in 2002?
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What is the African Renaissance seen as in the context of South African foreign policy?
What is the African Renaissance seen as in the context of South African foreign policy?
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In relation to peace and stability, what is the Africa Peer Review Mechanism?
In relation to peace and stability, what is the Africa Peer Review Mechanism?
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Which of the following is NOT a commitment outlined in South African foreign policy?
Which of the following is NOT a commitment outlined in South African foreign policy?
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Which plan emphasizes development and governance as a part of South African foreign policy?
Which plan emphasizes development and governance as a part of South African foreign policy?
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Which aspect of the South African foreign policy is characterized by promoting democracy and conflict mediation?
Which aspect of the South African foreign policy is characterized by promoting democracy and conflict mediation?
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What impact did the Government of National Unity have on foreign policy decision-making in South Africa?
What impact did the Government of National Unity have on foreign policy decision-making in South Africa?
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What criticism was directed towards Mbeki during his mediation in Zimbabwe?
What criticism was directed towards Mbeki during his mediation in Zimbabwe?
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Which agreement was made during the 2008 elections in Zimbabwe?
Which agreement was made during the 2008 elections in Zimbabwe?
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What role did Mbeki play in the Cote d’Ivoire conflict?
What role did Mbeki play in the Cote d’Ivoire conflict?
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During which years did South Africa serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and vote against sanctions on the Mugabe regime?
During which years did South Africa serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and vote against sanctions on the Mugabe regime?
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What was a key voting inconsistency observed in South Africa's UN participation?
What was a key voting inconsistency observed in South Africa's UN participation?
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What was a major criticism of South Africa's mediation efforts in the DRC?
What was a major criticism of South Africa's mediation efforts in the DRC?
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Which conflict did South Africa attempt to influence through its 'quiet diplomacy' approach?
Which conflict did South Africa attempt to influence through its 'quiet diplomacy' approach?
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What was a significant outcome of South Africa's tenure at the UN Security Council in relation to Libya?
What was a significant outcome of South Africa's tenure at the UN Security Council in relation to Libya?
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What was a key reason for South Africa's abstention from the UN vote condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine in March 2022?
What was a key reason for South Africa's abstention from the UN vote condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine in March 2022?
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Which of the following actions reflects South Africa's shift towards an active non-alignment policy?
Which of the following actions reflects South Africa's shift towards an active non-alignment policy?
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What was the outcome of the South African High Court ruling regarding the country’s withdrawal from the ICC in 2017?
What was the outcome of the South African High Court ruling regarding the country’s withdrawal from the ICC in 2017?
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What significant action did South Africa's Cabinet announce in 2016 regarding the ICC?
What significant action did South Africa's Cabinet announce in 2016 regarding the ICC?
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What principle underpinning the Rome Statute did South Africa gradually start to question?
What principle underpinning the Rome Statute did South Africa gradually start to question?
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What was the outcome of the crisis averted by Putin not attending the 2023 BRICS summit in South Africa?
What was the outcome of the crisis averted by Putin not attending the 2023 BRICS summit in South Africa?
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How has South Africa's position within the UN Security Council evolved in relation to African issues?
How has South Africa's position within the UN Security Council evolved in relation to African issues?
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Which peace missions has South Africa engaged in collaboration with the UN?
Which peace missions has South Africa engaged in collaboration with the UN?
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Study Notes
Realism and Neo-Realism
- Realism in foreign policy focuses on national interest and maintaining a balance of power.
- The national interest is defined as preserving, protecting, and securing a nation's claims, objectives, goals, demands, and interests in relation to other nations.
- Neo-Realism emphasizes the anarchic nature of the international system, where states act to maximize their power to protect themselves.
- Neo-realism advocates for accommodating power distributions to prevent one state from dominating others.
Public Opinion and Foreign Policy
- Public opinion studies suggest that the public can have coherent views on foreign policy, even with limited information.
- The public's core values and beliefs serve as heuristics, guiding their general stance on foreign policy.
- Public interest in foreign policy is generally low, except during times of crisis, war, or when they feel directly affected.
- The media plays a significant role in influencing public opinion and, consequently, foreign policy.
Media and the "CNN Effect"
- The "CNN Effect" refers to the ability of 24-hour news channels to significantly influence the actions of policymakers through real-time coverage of events.
- Media coverage often makes distant events more visible to the public, influencing their understanding and perceptions.
- The media can influence foreign policy through agenda-setting, priming, and framing.
South African Foreign Policy
- South African foreign policy is shaped by a complex interplay of factors including historical context, domestic politics, and regional interests.
- Key features of South African foreign policy include a commitment to human rights, democracy, international law, peace, and the interests of Africa.
- Over time, different presidential administrations have emphasized different aspects of South African foreign policy.
- South African foreign policy has evolved since the transition to democracy in 1994, with a focus on promoting peace, stability, and development in Africa.
- South African foreign policy is influenced by various institutions, including think tanks, media, the judiciary, and regional organizations.
South Africa's Role in International Organizations
- South Africa's involvement in the United Nations Security Council has been marked by both successes and criticisms.
- South Africa's voting record at the UN has been criticized for inconsistencies and perceived favoritism toward certain powers, while supporters highlight its achievements in promoting African issues.
- South Africa's stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC) has shifted from strong support to questioning its principles, particularly regarding African sovereignty.
- This led to South Africa's withdrawal from the ICC in 2016, although the withdrawal was later revoked by the High Court.
South African Foreign Policy in Action
- South Africa has played a prominent role in conflict mediation in Africa, with varying levels of success.
- Examples include mediation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Zimbabwe, and Côte d'Ivoire.
- South Africa's mediation efforts are often criticized for prioritizing national economic interests over principles of justice and fairness.
- The recent conflict in Ukraine has put pressure on South Africa's active non-alignment policy.
- South Africa's actions on the ICC and in the Ukraine conflict highlight the complex dynamics of international relations and the challenges of balancing national interests with global principles.
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Description
This quiz explores the concepts of realism and neo-realism in international relations, focusing on national interest and power dynamics. It also discusses the impact of public opinion on foreign policy, highlighting the role of media and public beliefs. Test your understanding of these important theories and their relevance in global affairs.
