United States Foreign Relations Midterm

Questions and Answers

The ______ model of foreign policy decision-making highlights the competition among rival agencies.

bureaucratic politics

Which of the following descriptions best applies to the concept of groupthink?

Collaborative decision-making with diverse viewpoints.

A method of promoting innovative ideas.

Dysfunctional collective decision-making characterized by a strong sense of a group's moral righteousness, closed-mindedness, and pressures toward conformity. (correct)

An approach that encourages debate among group members.

One who looks to presidential speeches and the news media to understand foreign policy decision-making is likely to support which of the following theories of international relations?

Realism

Liberalism

Social constructivism (correct)

Neorealism

Which of the following was identified as a characteristic associated with the political psychology of President Woodrow Wilson?

Moralistic worldview Signup and view all the answers

President Eisenhower warned of a U.S. 'military-industrial complex,' which is an example of which of the following?

Iron triangle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements provides an accurate definition of 'cognitive closure'?

Policy makers whose desire to reach a quick decision overrides their caution and examination of alternative strategies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors shapes the response of decision-makers during a crisis?

A perceived threat to vital national interests Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is the best example of an 'operational code'?

President Woodrow Wilson believed the United States had a moral obligation to the rest of the world. Signup and view all the answers

The idea that policy makers use objective calculations of costs and benefits to formulate foreign policy decisions is known as ______.

rational choice Signup and view all the answers

______ examines the impact of a nation's geographic position and resources relative to those of other powers.

Geopolitics Signup and view all the answers

A central aspect of constructivist theory relates to ______.

identity Signup and view all the answers

According to liberal theory, problems that do not respect national boundaries create a growing sense of interdependence that rewards cooperation among governments.

True Signup and view all the answers

Structural realists see governments as unitary actors, speaking with one voice in confronting global problems.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following has been the dominant theory of international politics, focusing on conflicts between nations?

Realism Signup and view all the answers

What are the assumptions of realism?

Realism emphasizes global anarchy, persistent fears and distrust, and a balance of power among states as the most reliable guarantor of world peace. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the concept of a two-level game.

Government officials/foreign policy makers simultaneously negotiate with their counterparts overseas and with domestic actors (public and private) who have stakes in the policy process. Signup and view all the answers

Define the iron triangle.

The alliance of influential interest groups, congressional committees, and corresponding executive branch agencies to carry out policies of mutual concern. Signup and view all the answers

Structural realism and liberal theory agree on acknowledging that the anarchic structure of the interstate system is the most reliable guarantor of world peace.

True Signup and view all the answers

According to the authors of a classic study of foreign policy, 'the ______ questions cannot be answered without analysis of decision-making.'

'why' Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of organizational culture describe?

The set of shared values, goals, and functional priorities of the members of a government agency. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the U.S. foreign policy bureaucracy?

Divided between four complexes: diplomatic, security, economic affairs, and intelligence. Signup and view all the answers

In the world of ______, foreign policymakers cope as best they can with the personal as well as the institutional limitations facing them.

bounded rationality Signup and view all the answers

Which president's moral views of foreign policy were often attributed to his upbringing as the son of a minister?

President Wilson Signup and view all the answers

What beliefs combine to make an operational code or view of politics?

Principled and casual beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the concept of groupthink.

Dysfunctional collective decision-making characterized by a strong sense of a group's moral righteousness, closed-mindedness, and pressures toward conformity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the theory of bolstering?

Once a decision is made, policymakers often use the decision to bolster their claims regarding the problem at hand. Signup and view all the answers

______ argues that astute decision makers don't expect optimal outcomes but intuitively gauge the risks and rewards of policy choices relative to the imperfect status quo.

prospect theory Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the political psychology of President Woodrow Wilson?

A moralistic approach. Signup and view all the answers

What is conservatism in bureaucratic politics?

Organizational cultures, though unique to each agency, consistently discourage innovation or changes of course. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of bureaucratic inefficiency.

The fragmentation of bureaucracies leading to breakdowns in communication and coordination. Signup and view all the answers

What is the balance of power since the end of WWII?

Bipolar Signup and view all the answers

What is the paradox of U.S. power?

The United States is constrained by the very forces that propelled its rise to global predominance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the process of economic globalization?

Information technology; emerging economies; new importance of governments; existence of global value chains. Signup and view all the answers

Explain long cycle theory.

A view of world history that highlights recurring periods of dominance of imperial or hegemonic powers. Signup and view all the answers

Describe globalization.

The linking of national and regional markets into a single world economy with limited political barriers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a problem of globalization?

Heightened pollution and deforestation Signup and view all the answers

What is exceptionalism?

A widely held sense of national distinctiveness or superiority. Signup and view all the answers

How much is U.S. military spending?

$610 billion or about one third of the global total. Signup and view all the answers

Much of the United States' advantage as a global leader derives from ______.

economy Signup and view all the answers

What is soft power?

The attractiveness of a nation's political and cultural values. Signup and view all the answers

What accelerated the pace of globalization in the 20th century?

The internet revolution. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize four categories of challenges facing U.S. world power.

<ol> <li>Rejection of globalization; 2. Global power balance; 3. ???; 4. ???.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Which country was at the forefront of economic globalization through the nineteenth century?

Great Britain. Signup and view all the answers

What is national style?

The expression of cultural influences that shape a country's identity. Signup and view all the answers

The degree of U.S. predominance is the greatest in the ______ realm.

military Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the Vietnam War on U.S. foreign policy?

Vietnam syndrome: national self-doubt. Signup and view all the answers

How has technology impacted U.S. adversaries?

Technology enabled adversaries to advance their political military agendas. Signup and view all the answers

What are benign hegemons?

States that maintain stability in the international system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the long cycle in world history?

Recurring periods of dominance of imperial powers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the growing gap between the world's rich and poor?

Economic globalization improved living standards for many, but others fell behind. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of cultural imperialism.

American fashions, popular music, movies, and television programs. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of imperial overstretch?

When great powers expand foreign commitments beyond their capability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the command of the commons?

Command of the sea, space, and air. Signup and view all the answers

What type of balance of power has the world system displayed since the end of the Cold War?

Unipolar. Signup and view all the answers

The idea that the U.S. was destined to achieve superior world power status is linked to what?

Exceptionalism. Signup and view all the answers

Which body was created in 1949 in response to developments in Europe?

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Signup and view all the answers

What was the Clinton administration's national security strategy called?

Engagement and enlargement. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main foreign policy strategy during the Cold War?

Containment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a direct outgrowth of the Vietnam Syndrome?

Opposition to open-ended military commitments. Signup and view all the answers

The expansion of American power featured a consistent pattern of ______.

unilateralism Signup and view all the answers

Which plan paved the way for Western Europe's economic recovery?

Marshall Plan. Signup and view all the answers

World War I resulted in which significant creation?

The League of Nations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Monroe Doctrine?

Proclamation that politically separated the U.S. from Europe. Signup and view all the answers

What does Manifest Destiny refer to?

The belief that the U.S. had God's blessing to expand. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Louisiana Purchase?

The French sold it for $15 million. Signup and view all the answers

What is gunboat diplomacy?

Use of military forces as a means of political intimidation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Open Door Policy?

A policy for free trade access to China. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact?

An agreement condemning war for resolving international conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What was the United States' reason for entering World War I?

The conflict in Europe extended into the Atlantic Ocean. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Truman Doctrine?

Pledge to provide military aid to Greece and Turkey. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Korean War outcome?

The peninsula was divided along the thirty-eighth parallel. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Lend-Lease Program?

A program to provide military assets to allies during WWII. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Bretton Woods system?

A system of fixed currency exchange rates based on the U.S. dollar. Signup and view all the answers

What was the foreign policy of détente?

A policy to ease tensions between the U.S. and Soviet Union. Signup and view all the answers

What is liberal internationalism?

A U.S. foreign policy aspect calling for global involvement. Signup and view all the answers

What is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization?

An alliance formed in 1949 by the U.S. and eleven other nations. Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of the Clinton administration's national security strategy?

Closer interactions on economic matters. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main foreign policy strategy during the Cold War?

Containment strategy. Signup and view all the answers

What was the most significant aspect of the Bretton Woods agreements for U.S. foreign policy?

Creation of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Signup and view all the answers

What is Vietnam syndrome?

National self-doubt in the U.S. related to the Vietnam War. Signup and view all the answers

What is the pattern of the expansion of American power?

Unilateralism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Marshall Plan?

A U.S. initiative providing economic aid to allies post-WWII. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

An agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Signup and view all the answers

What is perestroika?

A political movement for reformation in the Soviet Union. Signup and view all the answers

Who divided foreign policy powers under the U.S. Constitution?

Executive and legislative branches. Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'New Look' policy?

Eisenhower's shift in security strategy focusing on nuclear weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What did Woodrow Wilson's 'Fourteen Points' speech emphasize?

Respect for all countries and the proposal of the League of Nations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Roosevelt Corollary?

Expansion of the Monroe Doctrine allowing U.S. intervention. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of collective security?

A system preventing conflict through mutual defense pledges. Signup and view all the answers

What is the domino theory?

The belief that a communist victory in one country would lead to others. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Jefferson doctrine?

Signup and view all the answers

Identify at least two countries or regions where the U.S. intervened during the 1990s.

<ol> <li>Yugoslavia; 2. Persian Gulf; 3. Somali Civil War; 4. Bosnian War; 5. Kosovo War.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What developments in the 1960s and 1970s led to a shift from containment to détente?

Events like Prague Springs and the Vietnam War undermined superpowers. Signup and view all the answers

How is collective security historically relevant to U.S. foreign policy?

Put into practice through the League of Nations and Kellogg-Briand Pact. Signup and view all the answers

What is the resurgence of power politics?

An aggressive form of statecraft relying on threats and military strength. Signup and view all the answers

What is containment?

A strategy to prevent Soviet expansion during the Cold War. Signup and view all the answers

What is the League of Nations?

An organization created after WWI for resolving international disputes. Signup and view all the answers

An iron triangle is composed of ______.

interest groups, bureaucratic agencies, and legislative committees. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Balance of Power

After WWII, world power dynamics became bipolar, primarily dominated by the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
Unipolarity is the current state of global power balance since the Cold War's conclusion.

U.S. Power Paradox

The U.S. faces a paradox: its global dominion is limited by the same forces that aided its rise.

Economic Globalization Characteristics

Information technology, emerging economies, and global value chains linking production across multiple nations are pivotal in globalization.

Long Cycle Theory

This theory posits that imperial powers grow, peak, and eventually weaken, influenced by technological and military advancements that smaller powers leverage.

Globalization Defined

Describes the integration of national markets into a world economy, reducing political barriers to commerce.

Issues with Globalization

Key problems include cultural diversity erosion, environmental degradation, social inequality, and labor exploitation.

American Exceptionalism

Reflects a belief in national superiority, encapsulated in the narrative of the U.S. as a "city upon a hill."

U.S. Military Spending

Military expenditure is around $610 billion, constituting about one-third of worldwide military spending, and was listed as $934 billion in 2020-21.

U.S. Advantage in Global Leadership

Much of the U.S. global leadership stems from its economic strength.

Soft Power Concept

Refers to the ability of a nation to influence others through appeal and attraction based on political and cultural values.

Acceleration of Globalization

The internet revolution is identified as a key driver in speeding up globalization in the 20th century.

Challenges to U.S. Power

Four notable challenges include rejection of globalization, a shifting global power balance, and economic disparities among nations.

Historical Context of Globalization

Great Britain led the way in economic globalization during the 19th century.

National Style in Foreign Relations

Defines the unique cultural influences shaping a country's identity and approach to international relations.

Primacy in Military Realm

The United States possesses unparalleled dominance in the military domain.

Impact of the Vietnam War

The "Vietnam syndrome" denotes national self-doubt following the war, undermining U.S. confidence in its moral standing and global primacy.

Technology's Influence on Adversaries

Advancements in technology empower U.S. adversaries, exemplified by cyber threats from Russian hackers against various sectors.

Benign Hegemony

A type of hegemony that promotes global stability, curbing conflicts and shouldering security and economic development costs.

Cultural Imperialism

Defined by the global spread of American culture, including fashion, music, and media influences.

Imperial Overstretch Example

Historically evident, great powers, such as the Roman and British Empires, expanded to a point of unmanageable commitments, leading to decline.

Command of the Commons

This refers to U.S. preeminence in maritime, aerial, and spatial domains essential for national security.

Détente as a Policy

Aimed to ease U.S.-Soviet tensions during the Cold War by fostering cooperation and arms control dialogues.

Collective Security Concept

Envisions a system where states pledge mutual defense, historically exemplified by the League of Nations.

Eisenhower's "New Look" Policy

A security strategy emphasizing nuclear deterrence and forming alliances to counter Soviet expansion.

The Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine, granting the U.S. authority as an "international police power" in the Western Hemisphere.

The Marshall Plan

A U.S. initiative post-WWII, providing economic assistance to rebuild European nations and promote political stability.

League of Nations Formation

Established after WWI to mediate international disputes and prevent future conflicts.

Vietnam Syndrome's Long-term Effects

Resulted in reluctance for open-ended military engagements and contributed to a shift in foreign policy post-Vietnam.

Cognitive Closure in Decision-Making

Occurs when policymakers prioritize swift decisions over comprehensive analysis of alternatives, leading to potential misjudgments.

Iron Triangle in Foreign Policy

Describes the interplay between governmental agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees influencing foreign policy formulation.

Rational Choice Theory in Foreign Policy

Views policymakers as rational actors evaluating costs and benefits when making foreign policy decisions.

Addressing Global Environmental Issues

The Kyoto Protocol aimed for substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, notably not ratified by the U.S.

Historical Shift from Containment to Détente

Occurred due to crises in the late 60s and early 70s, leading to a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy strategies toward the Soviet Union.

Bureaucratic Politics Model

Highlights competition among agencies in the U.S. executive branch as influencing foreign policy decisions.

Emphasizes insights drawn from media and presidential rhetoric in shaping foreign policy perceptions.

Groupthink in Decision-Making

Describes collective decision-making that suppresses dissent and emphasizes group morale, which can lead to poor policy outcomes.### Geopolitics
Geopolitics explores the influence of geographic factors on international politics and relations.

Constructivist Theory

Identity is a central aspect of constructivist theory, shaping national interests and policies.

Liberal Theory

Liberal theory highlights that issues transcending national boundaries foster interdependence, promoting cooperation among governments.

Structural Realism

Structural realists view governments as unitary actors, emphasizing a singular approach to global challenges.

Dominant Theory of International Politics

Realism is recognized as the primary theory focused on conflict among nations.

Assumptions of Realism

Realism posits a theory where global anarchy leads to distrust and emphasizes balance of power as crucial for world peace.
Nation-states are regarded as the principal actors, holding supreme authority over their territories without higher political oversight.

Two-Level Game Concept

Policymakers negotiate simultaneously with foreign counterparts and domestic stakeholders, reflecting a decentralized U.S. foreign policy structure.

Iron Triangle

The iron triangle is a collaboration between influential interest groups, congressional committees, and executive agencies, excluding broader participation in policy decisions.
The U.S. defense industry exemplifies this concept, as highlighted by President Eisenhower.

Structural Realism vs. Liberal Theory

Both theories agree on the anarchic nature of the international system, which leads to power-oriented and often violent world politics.

Foreign Policy Decision-Making

Decision-making analysis is crucial for addressing "why" questions in foreign policy.

Bureaucratic Politics Model

The bureaucratic politics model emphasizes competition among various government agencies impacting foreign policy outcomes.

Organizational Culture

Organizational culture comprises shared values and goals within government agencies, often causing conflicts due to diverse agency cultures.

U.S. Foreign Policy Bureaucracy

The U.S. foreign policy bureaucracy consists of four complexes: diplomatic, security, economic affairs, and intelligence, remaining fragmented despite efforts for centralization.

Bounded Rationality

Policymakers operate within bounded rationality, managing personal and institutional constraints in foreign policy.

President Wilson's Influence

President Wilson's moral perspective on foreign policy was significantly shaped by his ministerial upbringing.

Operational Code in Politics

An operational code is formed by the combination of principled and causal beliefs guiding political behavior.

Groupthink

Groupthink represents dysfunctional decision-making where moral righteousness and conformity pressure inhibit critical discussion.

Theory of Bolstering

Policy decisions are often used retrospectively to reinforce claims about issues, illustrated by President Bush's rapid response post-9/11.

Examining presidential speeches and media is characteristic of social constructivism, which interprets foreign policy through shared understandings.

Prospect Theory

Prospect theory argues that decision-makers assess risks and benefits relative to existing conditions rather than seeking optimal results.

Political Psychology of Wilson

Woodrow Wilson’s foreign policy was guided by a moralistic approach, reflecting his ethical convictions.

Bureaucratic Conservatism

Unique organizational cultures in agencies discourage innovation, leading to stagnation and resistance to change.

Bureaucratic Inefficiency

Fragmentation causes communication breakdowns, exemplified by President Trump’s use of social media, complicating clear policy messaging.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts of U.S. foreign relations, particularly from chapter 1. This quiz covers topics like the balance of power since WWII and the paradox of U.S. power. Prepare for your midterm with these flashcards that focus on important definitions and characteristics.