Theories of International Relations: Online Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Which of the following is widely recognized as a strength of realism in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Provides a clear and coherent explanation of state behavior and international dynamics.

Answer

Accurately predicts the likelihood and timing of international conflict and war.

Answer

Offers practical and effective policy recommendations to address global challenges.

Answer

Promotes international cooperation and peaceful relations among states.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental assumption of realist theory in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Cooperation among states is always possible.

Answer

States are the primary actors in international relations.

Answer

The international system is characterized by anarchy.

Question 3

Liberalism in international relations places emphasis on the significance of:

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

National security

Answer

State sovereignty

Answer

Power politics

Question 4

According to realism, the primary objective of states in the international system is:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring their security

Answer

Economic prosperity

Answer

Protecting human rights

Answer

Establishing a global government

Question 5

A key difference between neorealism and classical realism lies in:

Accepted Answer

Neorealism emphasizes the anarchic nature of the international system

Answer

Neorealism focuses more on domestic politics

Answer

Neorealism takes a more optimistic view of the possibility for cooperation

Answer

Neorealism offers a different definition of power

Question 6

Which theory of international relations proposes that the distribution of power in the international system influences the likelihood of conflict?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Question 7

Which theory of international relations highlights the importance of ethical considerations in global politics?

Accepted Answer

Idealism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 8

How do emotions affect decision-making in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Emotions can impair rational decision-making due to biased perceptions and impulsive actions.

Answer

Emotions have no impact on decision-making in international relations.

Answer

Emotions always lead to positive outcomes in international relations.

Answer

Emotions have a consistent and predictable influence on decision-making in international relations.

Question 9

How does feminist theory critique traditional notions of security?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the gendered aspects of security, highlighting the disproportionate impact of violence on women.

Answer

It contends that security should be defined exclusively in terms of military might.

Answer

It advocates for the complete abolition of the state as a player in international security.

Answer

It is incompatible with other major theories of international relations, such as realism.

Question 10

Which theoretical approach within international relations argues that international institutions can play a significant role in fostering cooperation and reducing conflict among states?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Question 11

According to constructivism, what is considered the primary factor that shapes the behaviors and interactions of states in the international system?

Accepted Answer

Shared values and norms

Answer

Economic interests

Answer

Military strength

Answer

Historical experiences

Question 12

Which theory of international relations posits that the international system lacks a central authority to enforce rules, resulting in an anarchic environment?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Post-structuralism

Question 13

Which perspective in international relations highlights the influence of gender and other social identities in shaping global politics and international relations?

Accepted Answer

Feminism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Question 14

Which theory of international relations argues that states are primarily driven by their economic interests and that economic factors play a dominant role in shaping their foreign policies?

Accepted Answer

Marxism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 15

Which approach to international relations emphasizes the role of culture, norms, and ideas in shaping the behavior of states and influencing their interactions in the international system?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Feminism

Question 16

Which theory of international relations emphasizes the role of ideas and beliefs in shaping global politics and influencing the behaviors of states?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Feminism

Question 17

According to liberalism, which of the following is considered a key factor in promoting peace and cooperation among states in the international system?

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Military power

Answer

Cultural homogeneity

Answer

Territorial disputes

Question 18

Constructivism in International Relations has been criticized for:

Accepted Answer

Being overly subjective and difficult to test empirically.

Answer

Overemphasizing the role of material factors in shaping international outcomes.

Answer

Underestimating the influence of social and cultural factors on state behavior.

Answer

Promoting an overly optimistic view of the potential for cooperation.

Question 19

Which theory in International Relations places central importance on the influence of norms and values in shaping international interactions?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Marxism

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a core element of hegemonic stability theory?

Accepted Answer

A well-defined balance of power among major states.

Answer

The existence of a dominant power or hegemon.

Answer

Economic dominance and control over key resources.

Answer

The ideological appeal and influence of the hegemon.

Question 21

A major critique of the 'democratic peace theory' is that it:

Accepted Answer

Confuses correlation with causation, failing to establish a clear causal link between democracy and peace.

Answer

Ignores the role of other factors, such as economic interdependence, in promoting peace.

Answer

Only applies to democracies that share similar political systems and values.

Answer

Has not been adequately tested empirically, leaving its validity questionable.

Question 22

The 'security dilemma' in International Relations refers to the argument that:

Accepted Answer

States' efforts to enhance their own security can inadvertently lead to decreased security for others.

Answer

The international system is inherently chaotic and unpredictable, making security guarantees unreliable.

Answer

Rational states always seek to maximize their power, regardless of the consequences for others.

Answer

Economic globalization and interdependence have made conflicts less likely.

Question 23

How do non-state actors, like corporations and NGOs, shape global politics? Consider their potential for both cooperation and conflict.

Accepted Answer

Non-state actors play a complex role in global politics, with potential for both cooperation and conflict.

Answer

Non-state actors mainly cause conflict and instability in global politics.

Answer

Non-state actors have little impact on global politics compared to states and international organizations.

Answer

Non-state actors mainly promote cooperation and harmony in global politics.

Question 24

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

Accepted Answer

Cooperation between states is possible and achievable.

Answer

States are the primary actors in the international system.

Answer

Power is the key factor in shaping state behavior.

Answer

The international system is inherently anarchic.

Question 25

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

Accepted Answer

Ideational factors, such as norms and identities, shape state behavior.

Answer

States are rational actors seeking to maximize their self-interest.

Answer

International institutions play a central role in maintaining global order.

Answer

Power is the primary determinant of state interactions.

Question 26

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

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Question 27

According to liberalism, which of the following is a key factor in promoting peace and security?

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Collective security

Answer

National sovereignty

Question 28

Which theory of international relations views states as rational actors seeking to maximize their relative power?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a challenge to international cooperation?

Accepted Answer

Shared values and common goals.

Answer

National sovereignty and conflicting interests.

Answer

Economic disparities and uneven development.

Answer

Cultural differences and historical animosities.

Question 30

Which theory of international relations emphasizes the role of transnational actors and global governance?

Accepted Answer

Neoliberalism

Answer

Neo-Marxism

Answer

Neo-realism

Answer

Neo-constructivism

Question 31

Liberalism in international relations emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence and cooperation as a means to promote peace and prosperity.

Answer

Balance of power among states.

Answer

National sovereignty and military strength as the primary means of ensuring security.

Answer

The role of international organizations in facilitating cooperation and resolving conflict.

Question 32

The concept of "soft power" in international relations refers to:

Accepted Answer

Cultural influence, diplomacy, and other means of persuasion to achieve desired outcomes.

Answer

Military force or the threat of force.

Answer

Economic sanctions or other economic measures used to coerce or punish other states.

Answer

Diplomatic negotiations and agreements aimed at resolving conflicts and promoting cooperation.

Question 33

Which of the following is a fundamental assumption of the realist perspective in international relations?

Accepted Answer

States are the primary actors in international politics and seek to maximize their power and security.

Answer

International cooperation is impossible due to inherent conflict between states.

Answer

Economic interdependence inevitably leads to peaceful relations between states.

Answer

The United Nations is the most effective global organization for promoting peace and security.

Question 34

Liberalism in international relations places emphasis on the:

Accepted Answer

Role of economic interdependence and international organizations

Answer

Importance of military strength and national sovereignty

Answer

Primacy of domestic politics in shaping foreign policy

Answer

неизбежность конфликта между государствами

Question 35

According to constructivism, the primary factor influencing state behavior is:

Accepted Answer

Socially constructed identities, interests, and norms

Answer

Internal political structures and ideologies

Answer

Geographic constraints and resource distribution

Answer

Military capabilities and strategic alliances

Question 36

Which theory posits that states are primarily driven by their relative power and the desire to maximize it?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Question 37

Which theory emphasizes the importance of norms, values, and institutions in international politics?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Feminism

Question 38

Which of the following is a fundamental assumption of realist theory?

Accepted Answer

States are the primary actors in international relations.

Answer

International cooperation is always possible.

Answer

Moral values should guide the conduct of states.

Answer

Non-state actors have a negligible impact on world politics.

Question 39

What is the central principle of liberalism in International Relations?

Accepted Answer

Anarchy creates incentives for cooperation.

Answer

Power is the most important factor in international affairs.

Answer

States should prioritize national interest above all else.

Answer

International institutions are incapable of resolving conflict.

Question 40

Which school of thought in International Relations emphasizes the role of shared norms and beliefs in shaping state behavior?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Functionalism

Question 41

According to the democratic peace theory, what condition fosters peace between two states?

Accepted Answer

Shared democratic values

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Geographic separation

Answer

Economic inequality

Question 42

Which concept refers to the dominant role that major powers play in shaping the global order?

Accepted Answer

Hegemony

Answer

Concert of Europe

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Sphere of influence

Question 43

What is the primary objective of international cooperation?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining peace and security

Answer

Promoting economic development

Answer

Protecting human rights

Answer

Addressing environmental issues

Question 44

What is the main goal of empirical research in International Relations?

Accepted Answer

Testing theories

Answer

Developing new concepts

Answer

Influencing policy-making

Answer

Educating students

Question 45

Identify a fundamental assumption of realist theory in international relations?

Accepted Answer

States are the central players in global politics.

Answer

Cooperation among states is invariably achievable and desirable.

Answer

Pursuit of power is driven exclusively by domestic factors.

Answer

States' priority should be economic growth, not military strength.

Question 46

Constructivist theory in international relations emphasizes the role of:

Accepted Answer

Cognitions, norms, and identities

Answer

Economic interests and power structures

Answer

Domestic political institutions

Answer

Technological advancements and globalization

Question 47

Which of the following best describes a key assumption of realism in international relations?

Accepted Answer

States are self-sufficient entities primarily driven by national interests.

Answer

International institutions are vital in mediating international conflicts.

Answer

Moral and ethical values significantly influence international politics.

Answer

The distribution of power has no bearing on international outcomes.

Question 48

Which of the following is a central idea associated with the 'English School' of international relations?

Accepted Answer

International society is a realm of its own, governed by shared norms and values that shape state behavior.

Answer

States are the primary actors in the international system and their interests should be prioritized.

Answer

Power is the most important factor in international relations and states should seek to maximize their power.

Answer

International institutions are essential for maintaining order and promoting cooperation among states.

Question 49

Which theoretical approach emphasizes the role of ideas, culture, and identity in shaping international relations?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Post-colonialism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Feminism

Question 50

According to liberalism, the main cause of conflict in international relations stems from:

Accepted Answer

Economic disparities

Answer

Clash of civilizations

Answer

National sovereignty

Answer

Fundamental human nature

Question 51

Constructivism emphasizes the significance of:

Accepted Answer

Shared ideas and norms

Answer

Tangible factors

Answer

State-centric interests

Answer

International legal frameworks

Question 52

How does constructivism challenge the realist view of the state?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism emphasizes the social construction of state interests, while realism focuses on material factors.

Answer

Constructivism sees the state as an irrational actor, whereas realism views it as rational.

Answer

Constructivism argues that the state is the sole legitimate actor in international relations, while realism acknowledges non-state actors.

Answer

Constructivism believes the state is a unified entity, while realism recognizes internal competing interests.

Question 53

According to liberalist thought, which of the following is the most significant factor in encouraging cooperation among states?

Accepted Answer

Shared interests and values

Answer

Military alliances

Answer

Power balancing

Answer

Influence of international organizations

Question 54

A central concept in the constructivist approach to international relations is:

Accepted Answer

Norm

Answer

Anarchy

Answer

Hegemony

Answer

Sovereignty

Question 55

Which theory places emphasis on the role of non-state actors and transnational processes in global affairs?

Accepted Answer

Global governance

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Marxism

Question 56

One of the main criticisms of the balance of power theory is that it:

Accepted Answer

Is inherently unstable.

Answer

Promotes excessive secrecy in diplomacy.

Answer

Assumes all states have equal capabilities.

Answer

Neglects the role of non-state actors.

Question 57

Constructivism in international relations posits that:

Accepted Answer

Ideas and norms influence state identities and interests.

Answer

State behaviour is solely driven by material interests.

Answer

International institutions have no impact on state preferences.

Answer

Conflict is inevitable in the international system.

Question 58

Which theory of International Relations posits that states are constantly striving for power and security in a competitive international system?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Question 59

Which perspective in International Relations highlights the influence of ideas, norms, and values on state behavior?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Neo-Marxism

Question 60

Which theory emerged as a response to the perceived shortcomings of both realism and liberalism?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Institutionalism

Answer

Neo-Marxism

Answer

Postmodernism

Question 61

Which concept in International Relations refers to the idea that states interact within a system characterized by the absence of a central authority?

Accepted Answer

Anarchy

Answer

Sovereignty

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Hegemony

Question 62

Which theorist is known for developing the concept of 'soft power'?

Accepted Answer

Joseph Nye

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Kenneth Waltz

Answer

John Mearsheimer

Question 63

Which concept in International Relations refers to the idea that some states possess a disproportionate amount of power and influence?

Accepted Answer

Hegemony

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Economic sanctions

Answer

Foreign policy

Question 64

Realism in international relations assumes that:

Accepted Answer

States are primarily motivated by self-interest.

Answer

International organizations can effectively resolve conflicts.

Answer

Global politics is driven by cooperation and mutual understanding.

Answer

Values and norms play a crucial role in shaping state behavior.