Causes of War: A Comprehensive Guide for International Relations Students

Question 1

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the role of individual leaders and their misperceptions in triggering wars?

Accepted Answer

Individual-level theories (e.g., Great Man Theory)

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Question 2

The idea that states are more likely to engage in war when their power is relatively equal is known as:

Accepted Answer

Power Transition Theory

Answer

Democratic Peace Theory

Answer

Security Dilemma

Answer

Spiral Model

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT typically considered a contributing economic factor to war?

Accepted Answer

Increased global trade

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Competition for resources

Answer

National debt

Question 4

The concept of the 'security dilemma' originates from which theoretical perspective?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Liberalism

Question 5

The Rwandan genocide is often cited as a prime example of which type of conflict?

Accepted Answer

Identity-based conflict

Answer

Ideological conflict

Answer

Territorial conflict

Answer

Economic conflict

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a core principle of just war theory?

Accepted Answer

Preemptive strikes

Answer

Just cause

Answer

Last resort

Question 7

The idea that democratic states are less likely to engage in war with each other is known as:

Accepted Answer

Democratic Peace Theory

Answer

Power Transition Theory

Answer

Spiral Model

Question 8

Which of the following is a potential consequence of war on the global economy?

Accepted Answer

Disruption of supply chains

Answer

Enhanced international cooperation

Answer

Reduced levels of inequality

Answer

Increased global trade

Question 9

The statement "The rise of nationalism can lead to increased militarism and ultimately war" is best supported by which theory or concept?

Accepted Answer

Identity-based conflict theory

Answer

The Security Dilemma

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Question 10

Which theory attributes war primarily to the aggressive nature inherent in humans?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 11

Competition between states over limited resources, such as oil or land, leading to conflict aligns with which concept?

Accepted Answer

Resource Scarcity

Answer

Ideology

Answer

Nationalism

Answer

Power Transition

Question 12

What does the 'security dilemma' in international relations refer to?

Accepted Answer

A situation where one state's attempts to increase its security leads to other states feeling insecure, potentially causing conflict.

Answer

The belief that a specific state is inherently aggressive and poses a threat to others.

Answer

A state's overreliance on military strength, neglecting diplomatic solutions.

Answer

The failure of international organizations to prevent the outbreak of war.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a 'just war', according to just war theory?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing national interests regardless of the consequences.

Answer

Ensuring the use of force is proportionate to the threat.

Answer

Having a justifiable reason for initiating war.

Answer

The aim of establishing a lasting peace post-war.

Question 14

Why is the concept of 'failed states' often linked to the outbreak of war?

Accepted Answer

Their inability to control their territory and maintain law and order creates an environment vulnerable to exploitation by violent actors.

Answer

Failed states are inherently more aggressive than states with strong governance.

Answer

The international community often intervenes militarily in failed states, leading to conflict.

Answer

Failed states possess powerful militaries that they use for regional destabilization.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT considered a significant contributing factor to the outbreak of civil wars?

Accepted Answer

High levels of economic development and widespread prosperity.

Answer

Deep divisions along ethnic or religious lines.

Answer

Governments perceived as weak or corrupt.

Question 16

What does the 'spiral model' of conflict escalation suggest?

Accepted Answer

Misunderstandings and fear can fuel a cycle of competitive actions, potentially escalating into war.

Answer

Economic factors are the primary drivers of conflict escalation.

Answer

War is always a consequence of calculated, rational decisions made by states.

Answer

International organizations are ineffective in managing conflict escalation.

Question 17

What is a key distinction between traditional and modern warfare?

Accepted Answer

Modern warfare often involves non-state actors utilizing unconventional tactics.

Answer

Technological advancements have made modern warfare less reliant on human soldiers.

Answer

Traditional warfare exclusively involved conflicts between states.

Answer

Modern warfare is always more destructive than traditional warfare.

Question 18

What does the concept of 'preventive war' entail?

Accepted Answer

A state initiates a war to prevent another state from becoming a potential threat in the future.

Answer

A war fought to defend a state's territory from an ongoing invasion.

Answer

A war fought to enforce international law or protect human rights.

Answer

A war waged to remove a tyrannical regime from power.

Question 19

Which of the following theories emphasizes the role of individual leaders and their misperceptions in causing war?

Accepted Answer

The Individual Level of Analysis

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism

Question 20

The idea that states are inherently self-interested and prioritize security above all else is a core tenet of which theoretical approach?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Question 21

According to the democratic peace theory, which of the following is NOT a factor that reduces the likelihood of war between democracies?

Accepted Answer

Shared cultural values

Answer

Transparency and accountability

Answer

Peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms

Answer

Mutual economic interdependence

Question 22

The concept of 'security dilemma' is most closely associated with which theoretical perspective?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT considered a potential economic cause of war?

Accepted Answer

Increased global trade

Answer

National debt

Answer

Competition for resources

Answer

Economic inequality

Question 24

The idea that war can be caused by the spread of certain ideologies, such as nationalism or religious extremism, is most closely linked to which theoretical perspective?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of a 'just war' as outlined by traditional just war theory?

Accepted Answer

Preemptive strikes

Answer

Last resort

Answer

Just cause

Answer

Right intention

Question 26

The Rwandan genocide of 1994 is often cited as an example of which type of conflict?

Accepted Answer

Identity-based conflict

Answer

Territorial conflict

Answer

Economic conflict

Answer

Ideological conflict

Question 27

Which of the following international organizations is primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security?

Accepted Answer

The United Nations

Answer

The World Bank

Answer

The International Monetary Fund

Answer

The World Trade Organization

Question 28

Which of the following is a primary focus of conflict resolution studies?

Accepted Answer

Developing strategies to prevent and manage violent conflicts

Answer

Analyzing the historical causes of war

Answer

Promoting economic development in conflict zones

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT considered a major cause of war, according to traditional theories?

Accepted Answer

Climate change

Answer

Economic competition

Answer

Imperialism

Answer

Nationalism

Question 30

The theory that wars are caused by the inherent aggressiveness of human nature is known as:

Accepted Answer

Instinct theory

Answer

Liberalist theory

Answer

Realist theory

Answer

Structuralist theory

Question 31

Which of the following is a key concept in the realist theory of war?

Accepted Answer

National interest

Answer

International cooperation

Answer

Collective security

Answer

Liberal institutionalism

Question 32

The belief that war can be prevented through the establishment of international institutions and cooperation is a central tenet of:

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Marxism

Question 33

Which of the following factors is emphasized in Marxist theories of war?

Accepted Answer

Class struggle

Answer

Environmental scarcity

Answer

Cultural differences

Answer

National identity

Question 34

The idea that war is a product of socially constructed identities and norms is a key principle of:

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Realism

Question 35

Which of the following is considered a contributing factor to the outbreak of the First World War?

Accepted Answer

Imperialism

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Economic recession

Answer

Technological advancements

Question 36

The concept that wars are caused by a combination of internal and external factors is known as:

Accepted Answer

Multi-causality

Answer

Exceptionalism

Answer

Determinism

Answer

Unilaterality

Question 37

Which of the following is a potential consequence of war?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Humanitarian crisis

Answer

Economic disruption

Answer

Environmental damage

Question 38

The study of war causation aims to:

Accepted Answer

Identify and analyze factors that contribute to the outbreak of war

Answer

Eliminate war from society

Answer

Predict the timing of future wars