International Relations Midterm Exam Study Guide PDF

POLS 530: International Relations Midterm exam study guide Exam Date/Time: Tuesday, October 8, 2:00 – 3:15pm (in person) We have no class Thursday, Oct. 10 The exam consists of sho...

POLS 530: International Relations Midterm exam study guide Exam Date/Time: Tuesday, October 8, 2:00 – 3:15pm (in person) We have no class Thursday, Oct. 10 The exam consists of short answer questions and one short essay. Short answer questions (50 points): choose 5 questions from 7 choices given. One short essay (50 points): choose 1 question from 2 choices given. 4-page lined paper will be provided. Just bring pens and yourself. Be on time! Go over the following topics we discussed in class, referring to your lecture notes and the assigned readings listed on the syllabus. The items on World Affairs Homework are NOT covered by the exam, except for the ones we discuss in class. Topics covered in class: The emergence/evolution of modern nation-state system Westphalian sovereignty Answer: refers to the principle that each state has supreme authority over its territory and domestic affairs, free from external interference. This concept is foundational to international law and modern diplomacy, where states are regarded as legally equal actors on the global stage. Globalization/glocalization Answer: Globalization involves the increasing interconnectedness of the world’s economies, cultures, and populations through trade, communication, and technology. It can challenge Westphalian sovereignty by reducing the power of individual states in favor of global networks. Glocalization refers to the adaptation of global trends to fit local contexts, blending global and local cultural elements, which reflects how global forces interact with and are reshaped by local realities. (hard /soft power, will to power, potential/applied power, etc.) Hard Power: The use of military or economic force to influence other states. Soft Power: The ability to shape the preferences of others through appeal and attraction, often involving culture, political values, and diplomacy. Will to Power: A philosophical concept (Nietzsche) indicating the driving force behind human ambition and dominance. Potential Power refers to resources a state possesses that can be used for influence. Applied power is the actual use of those resources. Hegemon (hegemonic power) Answer: A hegemon is a dominant state that holds significant power over others, often establishing rules and norms in the international system. (Ex: United States) Balance of power politics/bipolar system Answer: Balance of Power Politics: States form alliances to prevent any one state from becoming too powerful. This system relies on shifting alliances and military parity to avoid domination by a hegemon. Bipolar System: A world where two major powers dominate international relations, such as during the Cold War with the U.S. and the Soviet Union. It’s considered relatively stable because the two superpowers balance each other. Power transition theory/Thucydides Trap Answer: Power Transition Theory posits that global conflict is likely when a rising power threatens to overtake an established dominant power. The Thucydides Trap is the concept that when one great power threatens to displace another, war is often inevitable, drawing on the historical example of Athens vs. Sparta. This concept is frequently applied to the U.S.-China relationship. Public diplomacy Answer: Public diplomacy involves states communicating and engaging with foreign publics to shape their perceptions, build mutual understanding, and influence foreign policy outcomes. This contrasts with traditional diplomacy, which is state-to-state interaction. “Two level games” Answer: Two-Level Games theory (Putnam) suggests that international negotiations are influenced by both domestic and international factors. Leaders must balance external negotiations with internal political pressures, making international agreements dependent on domestic approval. “Track two diplomacy” Answer: Track Two Diplomacy refers to informal, non-governmental dialogues between private individuals or groups to resolve conflicts, often supplementing official (Track One) diplomacy. This is used to foster communication and mutual understanding in conflict situations. Multilateralasim and bilateralism Answer: Multilateralism involves multiple countries working together on a given issue (e.g., the United Nations, WTO). Bilateralism involves direct cooperation between two states, often in the form of treaties or trade agreements. economic sanctions Answer: are coercive measures used by one state (or group of states) to influence another state's behavior. These can include trade restrictions, asset freezes, travel bans, and embargoes. Realism Answer: Realism emphasizes that international relations are driven by power politics in an anarchic system, where states act in their own self-interest and security is paramount. It views conflict as inevitable and cooperation as difficult to sustain without strong power incentives. Liberalism Answer: argues that cooperation between states is possible through international institutions, trade, and democratic governance. States are seen as capable of working together for mutual benefit, particularly through organizations like the UN and treaties. Constructivism Answer: emphasizes the role of ideas, identities, and social norms in shaping international relations. Unlike Realism and Liberalism, Constructivism argues that the international system is socially constructed, meaning that perceptions and beliefs influence state behavior. Nations (major organs, reforms, mission, etc.) United Nations Answer: The United Nations (UN) consists of major organs like the General Assembly, Security Council, International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. Its mission is to promote peace, security, human rights, and development worldwide. Ongoing reform discussions include expanding the Security Council and improving its ability to manage global challenges. Models of foreign policy making (rational actor, bureaucratic bargaining, pluralist, and constructivist) Answer: Rational Actor Model: Assumes that states make decisions based on rational analysis to maximize benefits. Bureaucratic Bargaining Model: Foreign policy is the result of competition and negotiation between government agencies. Pluralist Model: Involves input from various interest groups, public opinion, and media in shaping policy. Constructivist Model: Suggests that state interests and foreign policy are shaped by social norms, ideas, and identity. Human factors that affect decision-making Factors like cognitive biases, emotional responses, and misperceptions can significantly affect decision-making, leading to suboptimal or irrational choices in foreign policy.“Groupthink” IGOs and INGOs Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), such as the UN or NATO, are entities formed by states to address common issues. International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), like Amnesty International, operate independently of governments to address global issues such as human rights or environmental protection. International regime An international regime refers to a set of rules, norms, and procedures that guide state behavior in specific issue areas, such as trade (WTO) or environmental protection (Paris Agreement).Supranational organization/world government debate 22. Supranational Organization/World Government Debate A supranational organization refers to entities where member states transfer some sovereignty for collective decision-making, like the European Union. The debate over a world government considers whether a single global authority could emerge to manage global challenges. Realists argue it's unlikely due to sovereignty concerns, while Liberals and Constructivists consider it theoretically possible if global cooperation and shared norms continue to evolve. Sample short answer questions: Short answer questions are the identifications and explanations of particular terms/concepts in one or two paragraphs. Bullets can also be used when appropriate. Don’t write too long but write everything you know of the concepts/terms. 5 answers will be graded as one unit rather than separately grading each. Why do states cooperate? Answer: States cooperate for various reasons, primarily to achieve mutual benefits such as security, economic prosperity, and political stability. Cooperation may occur through alliances, trade agreements, or international organizations. States may also work together to address global challenges like climate change, terrorism, or pandemics. Cooperation helps prevent conflicts, enhance global peace, and promote economic interdependence. Additionally, states may cooperate to gain influence, share resources, or solve problems they cannot handle alone. the Thucydides Trap between the U.S. and China. What are major differences between hard and soft power? What are advantages of soft power? Answer: Hard power refers to the use of coercion, such as military force or economic sanctions, to influence other states. It is tangible and often involves direct actions to compel or deter. Soft power, on the other hand, is the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion. It involves culture, values, diplomacy, and policies that make a state appealing to others. Advantages of soft power include long-term influence through relationships, fewer costs compared to military action, and the ability to shape global norms and values. Soft power can create partnerships and alliances without the resentment that often comes with coercive tactics. Explain the Thucydides Trap between the U.S. and China. The Thucydides Trap refers to the idea that when a rising power threatens to displace an existing dominant power, conflict is almost inevitable, as first proposed by the ancient Greek historian Thucydides regarding the Peloponnesian War. In the context of the U.S. and China, the U.S. is the dominant global power, while China is a rising power economically and militarily. The theory suggests that tensions between the two nations may lead to conflict as China seeks to challenge U.S. dominance in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, and the U.S. seeks to maintain its global leadership. However, many argue that war is not inevitable, and diplomatic efforts can prevent escalation. Explain “groupthink” and how it would harm foreign policy making. Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon where a group of decision-makers prioritizes consensus and harmony over critical evaluation of alternative ideas. In foreign policy, groupthink can lead to poor decision-making because dissenting opinions are suppressed, and potential risks or alternatives are not properly considered. This can result in flawed strategies, miscalculations, or escalation of conflicts. Historical examples, such as the Bay of Pigs invasion, show how groupthink can lead to foreign policy failures. What are major differences between nation and nation-states? A nation is a group of people who share common cultural, linguistic, or historical traits and often have a sense of shared identity or aspirations for self-determination. A nation-state is a sovereign state whose citizens or subjects are relatively homogeneous in factors such as language or common descent. It combines the concept of a political entity (state) with the cultural/ethnic identity (nation), such as Japan or Iceland. In some cases, a nation may not have its own state (e.g., the Kurds), while a state may consist of multiple nations (e.g., the United Kingdom). List the methods of economic sanctions. Trade embargoes: Restrictions on imports or exports to/from a target country. Asset freezes: Preventing a country or its officials from accessing their financial assets abroad. Financial restrictions: Limiting access to international financial markets or transactions.Investment bans: Prohibiting investment in certain sectors or companies of a target country. Travel bans: Restricting the movement of key individuals from the target country. Tariffs and quotas: Imposing taxes or limits on specific goods to affect a target country’s economy. List three diplomatic strategies/tools. Negotiation and mediation: Engaging in direct discussions to resolve conflicts or reach agreements between states. Alliances and partnerships: Forming formal agreements or coalitions for mutual defense, trade, or cooperation. Public diplomacy: Using cultural exchange, media, and communication to influence foreign publics and governments, promoting national interests through soft power. Why bipolar system is considered relatively stable? A bipolar system, characterized by two dominant superpowers (such as during the Cold War with the U.S. and the Soviet Union), is considered stable because the power distribution is clear and predictable. In such a system, the two superpowers are often able to balance each other’s influence, reducing the likelihood of conflicts escalating into wars. The competition between the two poles creates clear alliances and deterrence mechanisms, minimizing the uncertainty and instability that can arise in multipolar systems, where multiple powers compete for dominance. Sample essay questions: These are sample questions and different from the ones that appear in the exam. Yet, the focuses of the topic would be similar. Use following samples as stimulus to your critical thinking and prepare for the exam. Which of the following approaches—Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism, would best explain today’s world? Build your own arguments and support them. Each of the three approaches—Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism—offers a different lens to explain today’s world, but Realism is often the best framework for understanding the contemporary international system. Realism focuses on the idea that states are the primary actors in a world defined by anarchy, where each state pursues its national interest, primarily through military and economic power. Given the rise of geopolitical tensions, such as between the U.S. and China, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and regional rivalries like India and Pakistan, Realism’s emphasis on power dynamics, self-interest, and security concerns explains much of today’s global politics. While Liberalism highlights the role of international institutions, cooperation, and economic interdependence, these mechanisms, such as the UN or the WTO, have often struggled to enforce global rules, as seen with issues like climate change or trade disputes. Constructivism, which emphasizes the influence of ideas, identity, and social norms, can explain trends like the rise of populism or identity-based politics, but it fails to capture the power-driven nature of interstate conflict. Overall, the global competition for power, resources, and security today aligns best with Realist theory. Is the establishment of a world government possible? Discuss this possibility from Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism perspectives. Realism would argue that the establishment of a world government is impossible due to the anarchic nature of international politics. Realists believe that states will never willingly cede their sovereignty to a higher authority, as their primary goal is to ensure their own survival. Power imbalances and the self-interest of states make cooperation difficult, and even if a world government were attempted, it would likely collapse under the weight of competing national interests and mistrust. Liberalism offers a more optimistic view, suggesting that the establishment of a world government is theoretically possible, though difficult. Liberals emphasize the role of international institutions and cooperation, which could gradually lead to a form of global governance. Examples like the European Union or the United Nations represent steps toward greater integration and collective decision-making. However, a full world government would require significant evolution of international law, shared values, and trust among states. Constructivism would focus on how ideas and social norms could shape the possibility of a world government. If the global community develops a shared identity and collective norms that favor cooperation and peaceful coexistence, the notion of a world government could become more plausible. However, this would depend heavily on changing perceptions of sovereignty, nationalism, and global citizenship. Constructivists would argue that the feasibility of a world government hinges on evolving international norms rather than structural power dynamics. Is a new Cold War likely? Discuss this possibility with the notion of power, power distribution, and national interests. A new Cold War between the U.S. and China appears increasingly likely, especially when examining global power dynamics, distribution of power, and national interests. The Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union was characterized by ideological rivalry, military buildup, and spheres of influence. In today's context, many of these features are reemerging between the U.S. and China. Power: China is rapidly rising as an economic and military power, challenging the global hegemony of the United States. This competition for power in areas like technology, trade, and military capability mirrors the U.S.-Soviet rivalry, as both nations seek to expand their global influence. Power distribution: The global system is increasingly bipolar, with the U.S. and China as the two dominant poles. While Russia is a major player, the U.S.-China rivalry is shaping international alliances, from the  Indo-Pacific to Africa. This division of power is reminiscent of the Cold War, though with more complexity due to the rise of regional powers like India, the EU, and Russia. National interests: Both the U.S. and China have competing national interests—China seeks to expand its influence in Asia (e.g., through the Belt and Road Initiative) and challenge U.S. dominance in international institutions. The U.S., meanwhile, is focused on containing China’s rise and maintaining its leadership in global governance. These conflicting national interests, particularly in trade, security, and technology, create the conditions for sustained geopolitical rivalry. While a direct military confrontation may be avoided, strategic competition and proxy conflicts, much like the Cold War, are possible. What diplomatic strategies can be employed to successfully deal with North Korea’s missile provocations and nuclear programs? Dealing with North Korea’s missile provocations and nuclear programs requires a combination of diplomatic engagement, economic pressure, and security guarantees. Several strategies could be employed: 1. Negotiation and Engagement: Diplomatic talks should remain open to reduce tensions and seek gradual denuclearization. Past successes, such as the Six-Party Talks or the Trump-Kim summits, showed that direct dialogue can at least pause provocations. The goal would be to secure concessions (such as freezing nuclear testing) in exchange for economic or humanitarian aid, allowing both sides to save face. 2. Economic Sanctions: Continuing to tighten economic sanctions, particularly by targeting North Korea’s key exports (e.g., coal) and illicit activities (e.g., cybercrimes), can exert pressure on the regime. However, sanctions need to be carefully calibrated to avoid causing a humanitarian crisis or driving North Korea into further isolation. 3. Security Guarantees: Offering North Korea security assurances, possibly through multilateral agreements, can reduce the regime’s perceived need for nuclear weapons as a deterrent. North Korea often cites the need for nuclear capability to defend against U.S. aggression. A diplomatic agreement that includes U.S. and South Korean security guarantees, potentially backed by China and Russia, could reduce the North’s reliance on its nuclear program. 4. Regional Cooperation: Involving key stakeholders such as China, South Korea, Japan, and Russia in any negotiation framework can ensure broader regional buy-in. China, in particular, plays a critical role as North Korea’s primary ally and economic lifeline, so its cooperation in enforcing sanctions and engaging diplomatically is essential. 5.