Theories of Peace and Conflict: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Question 1

Which perspective argues that international cooperation can be achieved through the dissemination of democratic values and institutions?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Critical Theory

Question 2

Which perspective critiques the mainstream theories of international relations and underscores the significance of inequality and power dynamics?

Accepted Answer

Critical Theory

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 3

Which concept posits that states are inherently insecure and perpetually vying for power?

Accepted Answer

Security dilemma

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Collective security

Answer

National interest

Question 4

Which conflict resolution approach prioritizes dialogue, mediation, and negotiation?

Accepted Answer

Liberal

Answer

Realist

Answer

Constructivist

Answer

Critical

Question 5

Which criticism commonly leveled against constructivism argues that it overlooks the influence of material factors in international relations?

Accepted Answer

It ignores the role of material factors

Answer

It is excessively idealistic

Answer

It is difficult to apply in practice

Answer

It downplays the significance of power

Question 6

What is the central focus of critical theory in the study of peace and conflict?

Accepted Answer

Examining how power imbalances and inequalities shape conflict.

Answer

Emphasizing the importance of consensus-building and dialogue.

Answer

Advocating for external intervention in conflicts by international organizations.

Answer

Viewing conflict as an inherent aspect of human nature.

Question 7

Which of the following exemplifies a bottom-up approach to peacebuilding?

Accepted Answer

Community-led peace initiatives.

Answer

United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Answer

Imposed peace settlements by external powers.

Answer

Economic sanctions on conflicting parties.

Question 8

In the 'spiral model' of conflict escalation, what constitutes a 'polarizing event'?

Accepted Answer

A terrorist attack or a major act of violence.

Answer

A diplomatic breakthrough resolving a key issue.

Answer

A ceasefire agreement effectively ending hostilities.

Answer

A humanitarian crisis that elicits widespread sympathy.

Question 9

What is the primary objective of 'conflict prevention' initiatives?

Accepted Answer

Preventing the emergence or recurrence of armed conflict.

Answer

Ending ongoing conflicts and restoring peace.

Answer

Rebuilding war-torn societies and promoting reconciliation.

Answer

Prosecuting and punishing perpetrators of war crimes.

Question 10

According to realism, the primary driving force behind international conflict is:

Accepted Answer

Power imbalance

Answer

Economic interests

Answer

Ideological differences

Answer

Human nature

Question 11

Which of the following is a characteristic of constructivist theory?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on the social construction of reality

Answer

Belief in the rationality of states

Answer

Focus on the balance of power

Answer

Reliance on quantitative methods

Question 12

Which fundamental assumption underpins realist theory in international relations?

Accepted Answer

States are the primary actors in the international system.

Answer

States are innately cooperative.

Answer

International law is binding on all states.

Answer

Economic interdependence guarantees peace.

Question 13

Which concept is central to the constructivist school of thought in peace and conflict studies?

Accepted Answer

The power of social norms and identities

Answer

The pursuit of national interests

Answer

The balance of power between nations

Answer

The impact of economic disparities

Question 14

What, according to critical theory, is the underlying cause of conflict in capitalist societies?

Accepted Answer

Deep-rooted class inequality

Answer

Imperialist expansion and resource exploitation

Answer

Misunderstandings arising from cultural differences

Answer

Psychological factors stemming from individual trauma

Question 15

Liberalism emphasizes which factor as instrumental in fostering peace?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced economic interdependence

Answer

The deployment of military power

Answer

The spread of nationalism

Answer

Shared cultural values

Question 16

Critical theory seeks to reveal the hidden power dynamics and ideologies that perpetuate conflict.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 17

Constructivism posits that identities and interests are not inherent but rather shaped by social interactions.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 18

A strength of critical theory is its ability to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a comprehensive critique of power structures that perpetuate conflict.

Answer

Offer practical solutions to resolve conflicts effectively.

Answer

Be easily applied to real-world situations without facing challenges.

Answer

Gain universal acceptance among scholars in the field.

Question 19

Applying the realist perspective, identify the primary cause of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine according to realists.

Accepted Answer

NATO's expansion towards the east

Answer

Economic rivalry between Russia and Western powers

Answer

Ethno-nationalist tensions within Ukraine

Answer

The failure of international organizations to prevent aggression

Question 20

One potential implication of constructivism for peacebuilding efforts is:

Accepted Answer

Diplomatic initiatives should prioritize transforming identities.

Answer

Economic development alone is sufficient to resolve conflicts.

Answer

Military intervention is always necessary to end violence.

Answer

Peace processes should focus solely on addressing past grievances.

Question 21

In the study of peace and conflict, which perspective prioritizes power and self-interest in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Critical theory

Question 22

According to liberalism, what is seen as a significant factor in achieving peace?

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Military superiority

Answer

Cultural homogeneity

Answer

Political ideology

Question 23

Which perspective challenges the view that international relations inevitably involve conflict, emphasizing shared norms and identities?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Critical theory

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Question 24

Critical theory focuses primarily on which aspect in the study of peace and conflict?

Accepted Answer

Power dynamics and societal inequalities

Answer

National interests and security concerns

Answer

Role of institutions and international law

Answer

Psychological factors and individual motivations

Question 25

Which perspective emphasizes the importance of cooperation and collective action in resolving conflicts?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Critical theory

Question 26

In realist theory, what is considered the primary driving force for states in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Power and security

Answer

Economic prosperity

Answer

Social justice

Answer

Environmental concerns

Question 27

Which perspective argues that the structure of the international system is a primary determinant of the likelihood of conflict?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Critical theory

Question 28

According to constructivism, international norms and identities are viewed as:

Accepted Answer

Socially constructed and subject to change

Answer

Fixed and unchanging

Answer

Derived from biological factors

Answer

Imposed by powerful states

Question 29

Which perspective focuses on analyzing the interplay between individual and broader societal factors in understanding peace and conflict?

Accepted Answer

Critical theory

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 30

In critical theory, the concept of 'securitization' refers to the process by which:

Accepted Answer

Threats are amplified to justify state actions

Answer

States collaborate to reduce security threats

Answer

Individuals become radicalized by extremist ideologies

Answer

International organizations promote peace and stability

Question 31

Which central tenet of realism asserts that states are the primary entities in international relations?

Accepted Answer

States are the principal actors in the global arena.

Answer

Power is the primary pursuit of states.

Answer

International organizations can effectively resolve conflicts.

Answer

Cooperation is more likely among states with shared values.

Question 32

Constructivism posits that international relations are shaped primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Socially constructed norms and ideas.

Answer

Material factors like economic strength and military power.

Answer

The innate nature of humans.

Answer

The geopolitical landscape.

Question 33

Critical theory in peace and conflict studies primarily seeks to:

Accepted Answer

Challenge existing power structures and prevailing ideologies.

Answer

Provide practical solutions to conflict resolution.

Answer

Promote the role of international organizations in maintaining peace.

Answer

Develop universally applicable theories.

Question 34

A key strength of the liberal perspective on peace and conflict lies in its:

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on cooperation and interdependence among states.

Answer

Explanation of the rise of international institutions.

Answer

Recognition of the importance of economic factors in conflict.

Answer

Simplicity and ease of application.

Question 35

Which of the following exemplifies a case study suitable for applying peace and conflict theories?

Accepted Answer

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Answer

Climate change's impact on conflict.

Answer

The role of the United Nations in conflict resolution.

Answer

The development of nuclear weapons.

Question 36

Identify the assumption that is not fundamental to realism:

Accepted Answer

States can cooperate when they share common interests.

Answer

States are the primary actors in international relations.

Answer

Power is essential in understanding state behavior.

Answer

Conflict is an inherent characteristic of the international system.

Question 37

Which concept is central to the constructivist approach?

Accepted Answer

Identity

Answer

National interest

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Hegemony