Theories of International Relations: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Question 1

Which fundamental assumption underpins the realist theory of international relations?

Accepted Answer

States are the primary actors in global affairs.

Answer

International organizations play a crucial role in maintaining peace and security.

Answer

Moral principles should guide foreign policy decisions.

Answer

Economic interdependence promotes cooperation between nations.

Question 2

Which theoretical approach emphasizes the importance of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping international relations?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Structuralism

Question 3

Which concept lies at the heart of balance of power theory?

Accepted Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Hegemony

Answer

Sovereignty

Answer

National interest

Question 4

According to liberal theory, how does interdependence affect international relations?

Accepted Answer

It strengthens cooperation between states.

Answer

It increases the potential for conflict.

Answer

It diminishes the significance of state power.

Answer

It has no substantial impact.

Question 5

According to liberalism, what is the role of international institutions in maintaining peace and security?

Accepted Answer

They provide a platform for cooperation and conflict resolution.

Answer

They erode the sovereignty of states.

Answer

They are ineffective in preventing conflict.

Answer

They primarily benefit powerful states.

Question 6

According to realist theory, which of the following is a primary characteristic of the international system?

Accepted Answer

States are the dominant actors, driven by self-interest and security concerns.

Answer

International organizations play a central role in promoting cooperation and interdependence.

Answer

Norms and values are the primary determinants of state behavior.

Answer

Global institutions are effective in mitigating conflict and fostering cooperation.

Question 7

Which principle is central to the realist theory of international relations?

Accepted Answer

States are the primary actors in international relations.

Answer

International organizations play a dominant role in global politics.

Answer

Cooperation between states is always possible and beneficial.

Answer

Ethical principles should guide foreign policy decisions.

Question 8

According to realism, which of these is a fundamental characteristic of the international system?

Accepted Answer

States are the primary players.

Answer

Cooperation and harmony prevail.

Answer

Non-state actors have a major influence.

Question 9

According to liberal theories of international relations, which factor is considered crucial for promoting peace and cooperation among states?

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Nationalism

Answer

Military alliances

Question 10

Which of the following is a central concept in constructivist international relations theory?

Accepted Answer

Ideology

Answer

Distribution of power

Answer

National interest

Answer

Security dilemma

Question 11

Which of these influential international relations theorists is associated with the realist school of thought?

Accepted Answer

Hans Morgenthau

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

John Rawls

Answer

Alexander Wendt

Question 12

In the study of international relations, which of these is NOT considered a level of analysis?

Accepted Answer

Individual

Answer

Domestic

Answer

Systemic

Answer

Global

Question 13

According to liberalist theory, which factor is essential for promoting cooperation and peace among states?

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Military power

Answer

Cultural homogeneity

Answer

Strong leadership

Question 14

Which of the following is a key concept in constructivist theory?

Accepted Answer

Identity

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

National interest

Answer

Realpolitik

Question 15

According to liberalist theory, what is the main function of international institutions?

Accepted Answer

Promote cooperation and interdependence

Answer

Maintain military balance

Answer

Enforce international law

Answer

Protect state sovereignty

Question 16

Which concept is fundamental to the English School of international relations?

Accepted Answer

International society

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

National interest

Answer

Hegemonic stability

Question 17

Which theory in international relations emphasizes the role of international institutions and cooperation?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Question 18

Constructivists argue that:

Accepted Answer

States' identities and interests are shaped by social and historical factors

Answer

Material factors are the sole determinants of state behavior

Answer

Power is distributed equally among states

Answer

International law is irrelevant

Question 19

Constructivism highlights the importance of...

Accepted Answer

Social norms and identities in shaping state behavior.

Answer

Economic interdependence in driving international cooperation.

Answer

Military power in determining the outcomes of international conflicts.

Answer

Geographic factors in constraining foreign policy choices.

Question 20

According to realism, the balance of power...

Accepted Answer

Is a natural and desirable state of affairs, ensuring stability.

Answer

Is an inherently unstable and conflict-prone situation.

Answer

Is irrelevant to international relations, as power dynamics are constantly shifting.

Answer

Is only achievable among democratic states, as they are less likely to engage in aggression.

Question 21

Which theory of International Relations would argue that the United States' dominance in the post-Cold War era can be attributed primarily to its economic power?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 22

Which of the following is a key concept in the theory of interdependence?

Accepted Answer

Vulnerability

Answer

Sovereignty

Answer

Power

Answer

Balance of power

Question 23

Which theory of International Relations would be most skeptical of the ability of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Question 24

Which theory of International Relations emphasizes the influence of domestic politics and institutions on foreign policy?

Accepted Answer

Foreign policy analysis

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 25

Which of the following is a central concept in constructivism?

Accepted Answer

Social identity and its impact on state behavior

Answer

Economic interests as the primary driving force of international relations

Answer

Power as the ultimate determinant of outcomes in international politics

Answer

The anarchic nature of the international system

Question 26

Which of the following is an example of a hegemonic order?

Accepted Answer

The Pax Britannica established by the British Empire in the 19th century

Answer

The Concert of Europe formed after the Napoleonic Wars

Answer

The United Nations, a global organization promoting cooperation and peace

Answer

The European Union, a regional organization fostering economic and political integration

Question 27

Which of the following illustrates a balance of power?

Accepted Answer

The bipolar rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War

Answer

The economic interdependence between the European Union and the United States

Answer

The military alliance between the United Kingdom and France

Answer

The territorial disputes between China and Japan

Question 28

Which concept is central to international political economy?

Accepted Answer

Interdependence and the interconnectedness of economies

Answer

Globalization and the worldwide flow of goods, services, and capital

Answer

Hegemony and the dominance of one state over others

Answer

Protectionism and the use of trade barriers to shield domestic industries

Question 29

What is a defining characteristic of a unipolar system?

Accepted Answer

The presence of one state with overwhelming military and economic superiority

Answer

The absence of a clear balance of power among states

Answer

A high level of economic interdependence between states

Answer

A prominent role for international institutions in maintaining order

Question 30

Specific criticism identified: Which critique of liberalism in international relations is most commonly cited?

Accepted Answer

It is excessively idealistic, neglecting the realities of state power dynamics.

Answer

It places undue emphasis on the role of international organizations.

Answer

It fails to consider the influence of culture on state behavior.

Answer

It is overly pessimistic about the potential for international cooperation.

Question 31

Concept clearly defined: Which central concept is particularly relevant to constructivist theory in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Societal norms and values

Answer

Power dynamics and their distribution

Answer

National interests and objectives

Answer

Global dominance and its implications

Question 32

Which theoretical perspective in international relations emphasizes the significance of power and national interests?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Question 33

According to constructivism, norms in international relations are primarily characterized as:

Accepted Answer

Socially constructed and shaped by interactions.

Answer

Internalized beliefs and values of individual states.

Answer

Imposed externally by international organizations.

Answer

Legally binding agreements among states.

Question 34

The idea of 'relative gains' in international relations refers to:

Accepted Answer

The perceived benefits a state gains relative to its competitors.

Answer

The actual benefits a state achieves from an agreement.

Answer

The long-term advantages of cooperation.

Answer

The short-term costs of conflict.

Question 35

According to neorealism, which of the following is a primary source of conflict in the international system?

Accepted Answer

Structural anarchy

Answer

Nuclear proliferation

Answer

Cultural differences

Answer

Economic disparities

Question 36

A defining characteristic of constructivism in international relations is its:

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on the importance of ideas.

Answer

Rejection of material factors.

Answer

Deterministic view of international outcomes.

Answer

Focus on the role of individuals.