International Security: A Comprehensive Overview for University Students

Question 1

In international security, which concept describes how power is distributed among nations and affects their security?

Accepted Answer

Balance of Power

Answer

Collective Security

Answer

Nuclear Deterrence

Answer

Realism

Question 2

In the realist theory of international relations, which concept emphasizes that states prioritize maximizing their power?

Accepted Answer

States are rational actors seeking power maximization

Answer

Absolute and relative power gains are equivalent

Answer

International organizations effectively resolve major conflicts

Answer

Economic interdependence promotes peace and cooperation

Question 3

Which principle is NOT a core tenet of realism in international relations theory?

Accepted Answer

International cooperation is essential for maintaining global stability.

Answer

States are the primary actors in the international system.

Answer

Power is the primary means by which states achieve security.

Answer

National interest guides the foreign policy decisions of states.

Question 4

Which of the following is not a central concept in the study of International Security?

Accepted Answer

Sovereignty

Answer

Security dilemma

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Nuclear deterrence

Question 5

In international relations, what is the primary goal of 'security'?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring territorial integrity and national sovereignty

Answer

Promoting economic prosperity and global trade

Answer

Advancing human rights and democratic values worldwide

Answer

Maintaining a balance of power among states

Question 6

In the realist theory of international relations, what is the primary cause of conflict between states?

Accepted Answer

Competition for scarce resources

Answer

Clash of civilizations

Answer

Internal political factors

Answer

Misperceptions and misunderstandings

Question 7

Which of the following concepts is NOT mentioned in the unit description as a key concept in the study of international security?

Accepted Answer

The concept of sovereignty

Answer

The security dilemma

Answer

Nuclear deterrence

Answer

The role of international organizations in maintaining security

Question 8

In the study of international security, which concept is considered fundamental?

Accepted Answer

Balance of power

Answer

International law

Answer

Economic development

Answer

Non-state actors

Question 9

What is a defining characteristic of non-traditional security threats?

Accepted Answer

They pose threats to individuals and communities rather than to nation-states.

Answer

They are primarily military in nature.

Answer

They are short-lived and easily resolved.

Answer

They are typically addressed through military interventions.

Question 10

In international relations, what is the core concept of security?

Accepted Answer

Absence of threats to a state's survival or interests

Answer

Ability of a state to project power globally

Answer

Balancing power among nations

Answer

Promoting democracy and human rights worldwide

Question 11

Which of the following is not a core concept in the study of international security?

Accepted Answer

The concept of NGOs in international relations

Answer

The balance of power

Answer

Nuclear deterrence

Answer

The role of international organizations

Question 12

In realist theory, why do states prioritize maximizing their power?

Accepted Answer

The international system lacks a central authority to enforce rules, leaving states responsible for their own security.

Answer

States are inherently aggressive and seek to expand their territories.

Answer

States have a moral obligation to intervene in international affairs and impose their values.

Answer

States prioritize economic growth above all else.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a core principle of realism in international relations?

Accepted Answer

International organizations are essential for maintaining security.

Answer

States are the main actors in the international system.

Answer

Power is the key factor in international politics.

Answer

The security dilemma hinders international cooperation.

Question 14

What is the main idea behind 'comprehensive security'?

Accepted Answer

Protecting people and their environment

Answer

Focusing solely on military strength

Answer

Relying only on nuclear weapons

Answer

Using force to solve international problems

Question 15

In contemporary international security, what is the primary function of nuclear weapons?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear weapons primarily act as a deterrent against large-scale conventional wars, reducing the likelihood of major conflicts.

Answer

Nuclear weapons are no longer relevant in modern warfare due to their catastrophic consequences.

Answer

Nuclear weapons have become less significant in the post-Cold War era due to advancements in technology and strategic alliances.

Answer

Nuclear weapons have become more accessible to non-state actors, posing a significant threat to international security.

Question 16

In liberal internationalism, which factor is deemed crucial for fostering international security?

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

National military dominance

Answer

State sovereignty

Answer

Balance of power

Question 17

Which theory emphasizes cooperation and interdependence among nations in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 18

Which of the following is a fundamental characteristic of the security dilemma?

Accepted Answer

States' choices between their own security and others' security.

Answer

States' guaranteed security through military superiority alone.

Answer

The security dilemma's limitation to nuclear-armed states.

Answer

The security dilemma's relevance only in times of war.

Question 19

How does international law contribute to international security?

Accepted Answer

Enforces compliance with international norms and treaties

Answer

Legitimizes the use of force by powerful states

Answer

Prevents the development of new weapons technologies

Answer

Promotes economic cooperation and interdependence

Question 20

In the context of nuclear arms control and disarmament, what is the primary aim of establishing a 'nuclear weapons-free zone'?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate the possession, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons within a defined region.

Answer

To prohibit the deployment of nuclear weapons in a specific region.

Answer

To ban all military activities in a designated area.

Answer

To prohibit nuclear testing in a specified area.

Question 21

Which theory of international relations prioritizes power and national interests as the primary drivers of state actions?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Question 22

Which global governance body is tasked with preserving global peace and security, can impose sanctions, authorize military intervention, and adopt binding resolutions?

Accepted Answer

United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

Answer

World Bank

Answer

World Health Organization (WHO)

Answer

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Question 23

According to the realist perspective, which of the following is a fundamental belief about international security?

Accepted Answer

States prioritize their own interests and view others as potential threats.

Answer

Interdependence reduces the risk of conflict.

Answer

International organizations are essential for resolving conflicts.

Answer

Economic prosperity is more important than security.

Question 24

In the study of international security, which concept is considered fundamental?

Accepted Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Environmental sustainability

Answer

Human rights

Question 25

In the current international security landscape, which of the following poses a significant challenge in countering cybersecurity threats?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty in identifying the perpetrators of cyberattacks

Accepted Answer

Absence of globally agreed-upon rules and regulations for cyberspace

Accepted Answer

Rapid technological advancements surpassing legal and policy measures

Question 26

In nuclear deterrence, what's a key principle?

Accepted Answer

Threat of massive retaliation

Answer

Nuclear-free zones

Answer

Promoting trust and cooperation

Question 27

In international relations, the 'security dilemma' refers to the situation where states' actions to enhance their own security:

Accepted Answer

Often lead to increased tensions and distrust among states

Answer

Generally result in reduced likelihood of conflict

Answer

Necessitate a diminished role for international organizations in promoting security

Answer

Always lead to greater cooperation and understanding between states

Question 28

How do international organizations, like the UN and NATO, contribute to maintaining global security and preventing armed conflicts?

Accepted Answer

International organizations facilitate dialogue and cooperation among member states, reducing tensions and fostering trust.

Answer

International organizations are ineffective in preventing conflicts, as seen in ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.

Answer

International organizations are independent of nation-states and answer only to the international community.

Answer

International organizations lack military capabilities and cannot directly prevent armed conflicts.

Question 29

Nuclear deterrence is a strategy based on the principle of:

Accepted Answer

Mutually assured destruction (MAD), where both sides have the capability to inflict unacceptable damage on each other

Answer

First-strike capability, where one side has a clear military advantage over the other

Answer

Missile defense systems, which can intercept incoming nuclear missiles

Answer

Arms control agreements, which limit the number of nuclear weapons

Question 30

The concept of 'soft power' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Influence exercised through cultural appeal, diplomatic persuasion, and economic incentives

Answer

Influence exerted through military force and economic coercion

Answer

Influence gained through alliances and military pacts

Answer

Influence achieved through technological dominance

Question 31

The 'security dilemma' concept refers to the situation in which:

Accepted Answer

States increase their military capabilities to ensure their security, leading to a cycle of mistrust and insecurity.

Answer

International organizations are ineffective in resolving conflicts between states.

Answer

Nuclear weapons guarantee peace by preventing war.

Answer

Only states with superior military capabilities can achieve security.

Question 32

The United Nations Security Council is primarily responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining international peace and security

Answer

Promoting economic development

Answer

Protecting human rights

Answer

Resolving territorial disputes

Question 33

The 'Responsibility to Protect' principle entails the:

Accepted Answer

Duty of states to intervene in cases of genocide and other atrocities.

Answer

Right of states to use force for self-defense.

Answer

Obligation of the international community to provide humanitarian assistance.

Answer

Principle of non-intervention in other countries' affairs.

Question 34

The 'balance of power' theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

States seek to maintain equilibrium in the distribution of power to avoid domination by any single actor.

Answer

The most powerful state always dominates the international system.

Answer

Alliances are formed to counter potential threats.

Answer

International organizations are ineffective in balancing power.

Question 35

Which of the following is a key component of 'global governance'?

Accepted Answer

Collaboration among states and international organizations

Answer

Enforcement of global laws and regulations

Answer

Domination of the global system by a single superpower

Answer

National sovereignty

Question 36

The 'realist' perspective on international relations posits that:

Accepted Answer

States are the primary actors in the international system, driven by national interests.

Answer

Cooperation between states is the norm in international relations.

Answer

International law and institutions are effective in fostering peace and cooperation.

Answer

The pursuit of national interests is secondary to global welfare.

Question 37

How does economic interdependence influence international security?

Accepted Answer

It fosters cooperation and mutual reliance.

Accepted Answer

It can intensify conflicts and tensions.

Answer

It promotes disengagement and isolation.

Question 38

In international relations theory, which of the following best describes 'realist security'?

Accepted Answer

Balance of power, national interests, and inevitability of conflict

Answer

Cooperation and collective security

Answer

Human goodness and perpetual peace

Question 39

In constructivist theory, what primary factor influences state behavior in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Shared norms and values

Answer

Distribution of military power

Answer

Anarchic nature of the international system

Answer

Economic interdependence

Question 40

Which element is central to the security dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Perception of threats from other states

Answer

Desire to maintain power balance

Answer

Lack of trust between states

Answer

Economic interdependence

Question 41

According to nuclear deterrence theory, what prevents nuclear war?

Accepted Answer

Belief in devastating retaliation

Answer

Presence of arms control treaties

Answer

No-first-use commitments

Answer

Technological superiority

Question 42

What is the primary function of the UN Security Council in international security?

Accepted Answer

Authorizing force

Answer

Mediating conflicts

Answer

Providing peacekeepers

Answer

Promoting arms control

Question 43

Define the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle.

Accepted Answer

Duty to intervene and prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing

Answer

Sovereignty of states over their citizens

Answer

Prohibition of force without UN authorization

Answer

Framework for peacekeeping cooperation

Question 44

Differentiate between collective security and balance of power.

Accepted Answer

Collective security: joint action to maintain peace; Balance of power: individual states counterbalancing each other

Answer

Balance of power: joint action to maintain peace; Collective security: individual states counterbalancing each other

Answer

Collective security: deterrence; Balance of power: retaliation

Answer

Balance of power: deterrence; Collective security: retaliation

Question 45

How do technological advancements impact international security?

Accepted Answer

Increased risks of nuclear proliferation and cyber warfare

Answer

Decreased probability of armed conflicts

Answer

Enhanced global communication and reduced misinformation

Question 46

Nuclear deterrence is based on the assumption that:

Accepted Answer

A nuclear attack by one state will trigger a massive nuclear retaliation from the other.

Answer

Nuclear weapons are primarily for use in conventional warfare.

Answer

Nuclear war is unavoidable and must be prepared for.

Answer

Nuclear weapons are ineffective in preventing conflicts.

Question 47

Which international organization is primarily responsible for maintaining global peace and security?

Accepted Answer

United Nations

Answer

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Answer

European Union

Answer

International Monetary Fund

Question 48

The term 'soft power' refers to a state's ability to:

Accepted Answer

Influence others through diplomatic, cultural, and economic means.

Answer

Use military force to achieve its objectives.

Answer

Form alliances with other states to increase its influence.

Answer

Control access to natural resources.

Question 49

The 'responsibility to protect' principle states that:

Accepted Answer

States have a duty to protect their citizens from genocide, war crimes, and other atrocities.

Answer

The UN Security Council has the sole authority to authorize military intervention to protect civilians.

Answer

States have no obligation to intervene in other states, even in cases of severe human rights violations.

Answer

Military intervention is always the most effective way to protect civilians.

Question 50

The concept of 'grand strategy' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A long-term plan for fulfilling a state's national objectives.

Answer

Short-term tactics to address specific foreign policy challenges.

Answer

A series of military alliances designed to deter potential adversaries.

Answer

Diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving international conflicts.

Question 51

The United Nations Security Council consists of:

Accepted Answer

15 member states, including 5 permanent members

Answer

10 member states, including 3 permanent members

Answer

18 member states, including 7 permanent members

Answer

20 member states, including 5 permanent members

Question 52

How do non-state actors challenge the traditional state-centric approach to international security, and what new opportunities do they create?

Accepted Answer

They disrupt traditional security arrangements, but create new opportunities for collaboration and problem-solving.

Answer

They weaken state sovereignty, but offer no alternative solutions.

Answer

They undermine international law, but provide no solutions to global problems.

Question 53

The principle of nuclear deterrence is based on the idea that:

Accepted Answer

Nuclear weapons make large-scale war too costly and risky for any state to contemplate.

Answer

Nuclear weapons can be used to defeat an enemy quickly and decisively.

Answer

Nuclear weapons are necessary for national prestige and status.

Answer

Nuclear weapons are only effective when used in retaliation.

Question 54

The Global War on Terror, launched by the United States after the 9/11 attacks, is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Asymmetric warfare, where a weaker party uses unconventional tactics against a stronger opponent.

Answer

Conventional warfare, involving large-scale military forces engaging in direct combat.

Answer

Cyberwarfare, involving attacks on computer systems and networks.

Answer

Proxy warfare, where external powers support non-state actors in conflicts.

Question 55

The concept of 'soft power' refers to a country's ability to influence others through:

Accepted Answer

Cultural appeal, values, and ideas

Answer

Economic strength and financial resources

Answer

Military force and coercive diplomacy

Answer

Technological innovation and scientific advancements

Question 56

How does economic development both influence and is influenced by international security?

Accepted Answer

Economic development can foster cooperation and conflict in international relations.

Answer

Economic growth always enhances international security.

Answer

International security has no impact on economic development.

Question 57

Identify the element that is NOT a core aspect of the security dilemma:

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Competition for resources

Answer

Perception of threats

Answer

Anarchy in the international system

Question 58

According to nuclear deterrence theory, which assumption plays a pivotal role?

Accepted Answer

The threat of nuclear retaliation will deter potential aggressors.

Answer

Nuclear weapons will never be used in practice.

Answer

Nuclear deterrence is universally effective.

Question 59

Which core concept underpins liberal institutionalism?

Accepted Answer

Interdependence between nations

Answer

National interests

Answer

Security dilemma

Answer

Balance of power dynamics

Question 60

Identify the defining element of constructivism in international relations:

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on the role of ideas and societal norms.

Answer

Assumption that states act rationally.

Answer

Acceptance of the international system's inherently anarchic nature.

Answer

Prediction of war as an inevitable outcome.

Question 61

Which of the following is a fundamental assumption underlying the security dilemma?

Accepted Answer

States prioritize their own survival and security above all else.

Answer

Nuclear weapons guarantee international peace.

Answer

International organizations can effectively prevent war.

Question 62

How does nuclear deterrence operate?

Accepted Answer

It relies on the threat of mutually assured destruction to discourage nuclear attacks.

Answer

It involves nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

Answer

It promotes trust and cooperation among nuclear powers.

Question 63

What is the primary function of the United Nations Security Council?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining international peace and security.

Answer

Promoting economic development.

Answer

Protecting human rights.

Answer

Resolving territorial disputes.

Question 64

Which approach to international security emphasizes cooperation and interdependence?

Accepted Answer

Cooperative security

Answer

Realist security

Answer

National security

Answer

Collective security