Theories of International Relations Quizzes - Test Your Knowledge

Question 1

Which statement contradicts a core assumption of realism in international relations?

Accepted Answer

International cooperation is possible and desirable.

Answer

States are the primary actors in international relations.

Answer

State behavior is driven by rational self-interest.

Answer

The international system is inherently anarchic.

Question 2

Liberalism in international relations suggests that peace and cooperation are most effectively fostered through:

Accepted Answer

Increased economic interdependence

Answer

Military alliances

Answer

Balance of power politics

Answer

Isolationism

Question 3

The key distinction between unipolarity and bipolarity in the international system lies in:

Accepted Answer

Unipolarity involves one dominant power, while bipolarity involves two.

Answer

Bipolarity involves one dominant power, while unipolarity involves two.

Answer

Unipolarity involves multiple dominant powers, while bipolarity involves one.

Answer

Bipolarity involves multiple dominant powers, while unipolarity involves one.

Question 4

Which of the following best captures the concept of hegemony in international relations?

Accepted Answer

A combination of material, ideological, and normative power.

Answer

Exclusive reliance on material power.

Answer

Primarily the use of diplomatic and economic means.

Answer

A focus on military alliances and security guarantees.

Question 5

The fundamental difference between hard power and soft power is:

Accepted Answer

Hard power is coercive, while soft power is persuasive.

Answer

Hard power involves military force, while soft power involves diplomacy.

Answer

Hard power involves economic sanctions, while soft power involves cultural influence.

Answer

Hard power is temporary, while soft power is enduring.

Question 6

A key criticism of balance of power theory is that it is:

Accepted Answer

Too deterministic, as it suggests the system's structure dictates outcomes.

Answer

Too idealistic, as it assumes states will always cooperate.

Answer

Too pessimistic, as it predicts inevitable conflict.

Answer

Too state-centric, as it ignores the influence of non-state actors.

Question 7

The English School in international relations is characterized by its emphasis on:

Accepted Answer

The role of ideas, norms, and identities.

Answer

The centrality of power and material interests.

Answer

The significance of individual leaders and their actions.

Answer

The importance of domestic politics in shaping foreign policy.

Question 8

A hegemon can be distinguished from a great power primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Its dominant position in the international system.

Answer

Its possession of superior military capabilities.

Answer

Its strong economic base and technological advancement.

Answer

Its adherence to democratic principles and human rights.

Question 9

Which fundamental principle of realism states that nations primarily seek to maximize their power in the international arena?

Accepted Answer

States are rational actors aiming to enhance their security.

Answer

International law effectively resolves conflicts between nations.

Answer

Economic interconnectedness fosters harmony among nations.

Answer

Moral principles guide the foreign policies of nations.

Question 10

What is the primary purpose of a 'grand strategy' in international relations?

Accepted Answer

To provide a comprehensive and long-term framework for a nation's foreign policy.

Answer

To address immediate threats or opportunities in the international environment.

Answer

To justify the use of military force as a tool of statecraft.

Answer

To build alliances and partnerships with other nations.

Question 11

Which theoretical approach emphasizes the influence of non-state actors like multinational corporations and international organizations in shaping international relations?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Marxism

Question 12

Constructivism contends that international norms and state identities:

Accepted Answer

Are socially constructed and subject to change over time.

Answer

Are predetermined and unchangeable.

Answer

Are predominantly shaped by material power dynamics.

Answer

Hold no relevance in understanding international relations.

Question 13

In Marxist international relations theory, the root cause of conflict is attributed to:

Accepted Answer

Inequitable distribution of economic resources

Answer

Power struggles between states

Answer

Clashes between civilizations

Answer

Rise of nationalist sentiments

Question 14

A significant advantage of employing case studies in international relations research is their capacity for:

Accepted Answer

In-depth exploration of complex phenomena.

Answer

Providing insights into the causal relationships of events.

Answer

Simplicity and ease of execution.

Answer

Generalizability to all international relations cases.

Question 15

A fundamental assumption of game theory when applied to international relations:

Accepted Answer

States are rational actors

Answer

States possess complete information

Answer

Cooperation among states requires a central authority

Answer

States always prefer war over peace

Question 16

The concept of 'relative gains' in international relations signifies that:

Accepted Answer

States prioritize their gains in relation to other states, not their absolute gains.

Answer

States strive to maximize their absolute gains, regardless of the consequences for others.

Answer

States cooperate only when they can achieve equal gains.

Answer

States are solely concerned with their own security, even at the expense of others.

Question 17

Which assumption is fundamental to realism in international relations?

Accepted Answer

States are the main players in the international system.

Answer

International organizations have significant power in world affairs.

Answer

Non-state actors have a major impact on international relations.

Question 18

According to liberal institutionalism, which of the following is a key factor in promoting cooperation among states?

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Military alliances

Answer

Cultural homogeneity

Question 19

Which of the following is a key criticism of constructivism in international relations?

Accepted Answer

It is difficult to test empirically.

Answer

It overemphasizes the role of material factors.

Answer

It neglects the role of individual leaders.

Answer

It exaggerates the power of ideas.

Question 20

Which theory of international relations places significant importance on transnational actors and networks?

Accepted Answer

Globalism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 21

Which of the following is a major criticism of Marxist theory in international relations?

Accepted Answer

It is overly deterministic.

Answer

It underestimates the role of nationalism.

Answer

It ignores the importance of environmental factors.

Answer

It has been empirically disproven.

Question 22

Which theory of international relations emphasizes the importance of identity and culture in shaping foreign policy?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Feminism

Answer

Postcolonialism

Question 23

Which theory of international relations emphasizes the role of norms and institutions in shaping state behavior?

Accepted Answer

Institutionalism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 24

Which concept is pivotal in the constructivist approach to international relations?

Accepted Answer

Identity

Answer

Power

Answer

Anarchy

Answer

Sovereignty

Question 25

Which level of analysis is NOT employed in international relations theory?

Accepted Answer

Individual

Answer

State

Answer

System

Answer

Global

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental assumption of realism?

Accepted Answer

States are naturally cooperative.

Answer

Power is the primary objective of states.

Answer

States are rational actors.

Question 27

According to liberal theory, which factor is considered crucial for promoting peace?

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Ideological alignment

Answer

Military strength

Answer

Nationalist sentiments

Question 28

A key concept central to constructivism in international relations is:

Accepted Answer

Social norms

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Nuclear deterrence

Answer

Economic sanctions

Question 29

Which theory places significant emphasis on the influence of non-state actors in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Transnationalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Question 30

Which theory posits that the distribution of power among states is the primary determinant of international outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Hegemonic stability theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

Institutionalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 31

A key feature of Waltz's theory of structural realism is the notion that:

Accepted Answer

The international system is anarchic.

Answer

States are monolithic entities.

Answer

International institutions can effectively prevent conflicts.

Answer

Economic factors are the primary drivers of international behavior.

Question 32

Which theory highlights the influence of culture in shaping international relations?

Accepted Answer

Cultural constructivism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Neorealism

Question 33

A critique of game theory is that it:

Accepted Answer

Assumes actors possess perfect information.

Answer

Is too abstract to be useful in real-world situations.

Answer

Focuses excessively on individual behavior.

Answer

Encourages states to adopt excessively aggressive strategies.

Question 34

Which theory emphasizes the role of economic inequality within and between states?

Accepted Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Question 35

Which theory of International Relations emphasizes the role of power and self-interest in shaping international dynamics?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Liberalism

Question 36

Which theory of International Relations argues that international institutions can promote cooperation and reduce the likelihood of conflict?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism

Question 37

Which theory of International Relations emphasizes the influence of ideas, shared norms, and culture in shaping international relations?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Liberalism

Question 38

According to which theory of International Relations, global capitalism is the underlying cause of conflict and inequality in the world?

Accepted Answer

Marxism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Liberalism

Question 39

Which theory of International Relations suggests that unipolarity, or the dominance of a single superpower, leads to increased stability and peace?

Accepted Answer

Hegemonic Stability Theory

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Question 40

According to which theory of International Relations, international norms and institutions are shaped by the interests and preferences of powerful states?

Accepted Answer

Institutionalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism