Master International Relations Theories: Online Learning for MA Students

Question 1

Which of the following is a key characteristic of the balance of power in International Relations?

Accepted Answer

States form alliances and alignments to counterbalance potential threats.

Answer

States aim to maintain a balance between their offensive and defensive capabilities.

Answer

States constantly seek to expand their territory and influence.

Answer

War is the only way to resolve international conflicts.

Question 2

Which element is emphasized by liberal internationalism?

Accepted Answer

International cooperation and free trade

Answer

State sovereignty and non-intervention

Answer

National security and military power

Answer

Ideological conflict and revolutionary change

Question 3

What is a fundamental proposition of constructivism in international relations?

Accepted Answer

State identities and interests are socially constructed.

Answer

The international system is inherently stable and harmonious.

Answer

Economic interdependence inevitably leads to global peace.

Answer

Moral principles should guide international relations.

Question 4

According to liberal internationalism, which factor is considered crucial for promoting international cooperation?

Accepted Answer

Shared democratic values

Answer

Strong military alliances

Answer

National economic self-interest

Answer

Ideological conformity

Question 5

In constructivist theories of international relations, which research method is most frequently used to examine how language and communication influence international behavior?

Accepted Answer

Discourse analysis

Answer

Quantitative content analysis

Answer

Game theory

Answer

Statistical hypothesis testing

Question 6

According to realist theory, which policy approach is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Imposing economic sanctions on rival nations to weaken them.

Answer

Creating an international organization to promote cooperation.

Answer

Resolving conflicts through diplomatic negotiations.

Answer

Advocating for democracy and human rights globally.

Question 7

According to realism, which goal is primary for states within the international system?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing their power and security

Answer

Promoting democracy and human rights globally

Answer

Establishing a one-world government

Answer

Creating a harmonious international order

Question 8

Liberalism in the context of international relations emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The role of international institutions and collaboration

Answer

The significance of military power and alliances

Answer

The inevitability of conflict between states

Answer

The superiority of one culture over others

Question 9

Which of the following is not a critique commonly leveled against realism?

Accepted Answer

Its predictions have been consistently supported by empirical evidence

Answer

It overlooks the influence of non-state actors

Answer

It oversimplifies the motivations of states

Answer

It offers a pessimistic view of international politics

Question 10

Within constructivist international relations theory, which concept is central?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

National interest

Answer

Anarchy

Answer

Balance of power

Question 11

The concept of 'soft power' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Cultural influence and diplomatic persuasion

Answer

Military force and economic sanctions

Answer

International organizations and treaties

Answer

Nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles

Question 12

Which characteristic is distinctive of a unipolar international system?

Accepted Answer

One clear superpower

Answer

Multiple dominant powers

Answer

Equal distribution of power among states

Answer

Regional balance of power

Question 13

According to liberal theory in international relations, which of the following is a key mechanism for promoting cooperation among states?

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Collective security

Answer

Military alliances

Question 14

Which two theories of international relations assume that international cooperation is possible?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism and Constructivism

Answer

Realism and Constructivism

Answer

Realism and Liberalism

Question 15

Which fundamental assumption underpins the realist perspective in international relations?

Accepted Answer

States are the primary actors within the international system.

Answer

States are primarily driven by economic concerns.

Answer

International organizations play a crucial role in preserving peace.

Answer

The spread of democracy enhances international cooperation.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

States are the primary actors in the global arena.

Answer

International cooperation is the only path to achieving lasting peace.

Answer

International institutions are highly effective in preventing conflicts.

Answer

States are inherently benevolent and prioritize the promotion of global well-being.

Question 17

Which concept in constructivism emphasizes the influence of shared ideas and beliefs in shaping international relations?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Power dynamics

Answer

Anarchy

Answer

Economic interests

Question 18

Which theory of international relations highlights the importance of institutions in promoting cooperation and reducing conflict?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Question 19

According to constructivist theory, which of the following is a crucial factor in shaping state identity?

Accepted Answer

Historical experiences

Answer

Abundance of natural resources

Answer

Geographic location

Answer

Level of economic development

Question 20

Which country is an example of a hegemonic power in international relations?

Accepted Answer

United States

Answer

Brazil

Answer

Canada

Answer

Australia

Question 21

Which international relations theory posits that states act rationally to advance their own interests?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 22

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

Accepted Answer

States are unitary actors driven solely by self-interest.

Answer

State identities and interests are socially constructed.

Answer

International norms and institutions can shape state behavior.

Question 23

Which international relations theory is most closely associated with the concept of a 'balance of power'?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 24

Which international relations theory emphasizes that economic interdependence fosters cooperation and reduces the likelihood of conflict?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 25

Which international relations theory highlights the role of culture and identity in shaping state behavior?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Question 26

Which international relations theory argues that states are primarily motivated by a desire for recognition and status?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Question 27

Which international relations theory is most critical of the concept of a 'global war on terror'?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Question 28

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

Accepted Answer

States are the primary actors in international relations.

Answer

Cooperation is the default mode of interaction between states.

Answer

The international system is characterized by harmony and order.

Answer

Economic interdependence will lead to peace and cooperation among states.

Question 29

According to liberal theory, what is the most effective way to foster peace and cooperation among states?

Accepted Answer

Creating international institutions and promoting cooperation.

Answer

Establishing military alliances and maintaining a balance of power.

Answer

Implementing economic isolationist policies.

Answer

Holding diplomatic summits and negotiations.

Question 30

Which prominent theorist is associated with the concept of 'the security dilemma'?

Accepted Answer

John Mearsheimer

Answer

Robert Keohane

Answer

Alexander Wendt

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 31

What is the central role of power in international relations, according to realist theory?

Accepted Answer

Power is a necessary tool for states to ensure their security and survival.

Answer

Power is the ultimate goal that all states strive to achieve.

Answer

Power is a destructive force that should be minimized or eliminated.

Answer

Power is irrelevant in the international system.

Question 32

Which key concept is central to liberal institutionalism in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Interdependence

Answer

Hegemony

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Security dilemma

Question 33

Which theory emphasizes that the international system is shaped by the distribution of capabilities among states?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a type of international organization?

Accepted Answer

Transnational corporations

Answer

Intergovernmental organizations

Answer

Non-governmental organizations

Answer

Supranational organizations

Question 35

What is the primary distinction between unipolarity and multipolarity in the international system?

Accepted Answer

The number of major powers

Answer

The level of international cooperation

Answer

The distribution of economic resources

Answer

The influence of non-state actors

Question 36

According to realist theory, which entity is the primary actor in international politics?

Accepted Answer

States

Answer

International organizations

Answer

Non-governmental organizations

Answer

Individuals

Question 37

Constructivists argue that international outcomes are significantly influenced by:

Accepted Answer

Ideas and identities

Answer

Material factors

Answer

Power dynamics

Answer

Technology advancements

Question 38

Which level of analysis in international relations theory focuses on the domestic politics and decision-making processes of states?

Accepted Answer

State

Answer

Individual

Answer

Systemic

Answer

Global

Question 39

Which theory incorporates non-state actors, such as NGOs and multinational corporations, into its analysis?

Accepted Answer

Feminist IR

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Marxism

Question 40

According to liberalism, which mechanism is most effective in promoting international stability?

Accepted Answer

Promoting economic interdependence

Answer

Building alliances

Answer

Establishing international organizations

Answer

Using military force

Question 41

Which concept is central to the constructivist understanding of international relations?

Accepted Answer

Identity

Answer

Power

Answer

Hegemony

Answer

Anarchy