Theories of Deterrence: Master International Relations with Confidence

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a key element of the classic deterrence model?

Accepted Answer

Mutual assured destruction (MAD)

Answer

Credibility

Answer

Capability

Answer

Communication

Question 2

The concept of 'escalation dominance' is most closely associated with which deterrence theory?

Accepted Answer

Flexible response

Answer

Compellence

Answer

Mutually assured destruction (MAD)

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios BEST exemplifies the principle of 'extended deterrence'?

Accepted Answer

The US threatening military action against Russia if it invades a NATO member state.

Answer

A state deploying troops to a border region to signal its resolve.

Answer

A country increasing its military budget to deter potential aggression.

Question 4

Which of the following is a potential weakness of nuclear deterrence?

Accepted Answer

The risk of accidental or unauthorized use of nuclear weapons.

Answer

The high cost of maintaining a nuclear arsenal.

Answer

The difficulty of verifying compliance with arms control agreements.

Question 5

How does the concept of 'credibility' play a crucial role in deterrence?

Accepted Answer

It ensures that a potential aggressor believes the deterrent threat will be carried out.

Answer

It facilitates communication between adversaries and reduces the risk of miscalculation.

Answer

It establishes the technological capacity to inflict significant damage.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a key difference between deterrence and compellence?

Accepted Answer

Deterrence relies on threats, while compellence uses promises.

Answer

Deterrence aims to prevent an action, while compellence seeks to force an action.

Answer

Deterrence is proactive, while compellence is reactive.

Question 7

The 'spiral model' of deterrence argues that:

Accepted Answer

States' security concerns can lead to a cycle of escalating tensions and mistrust.

Answer

Nuclear weapons are inherently stabilizing and reduce the risk of war.

Answer

Deterrence is most effective when based on a clear hierarchy of power.

Question 8

In the context of conventional deterrence, the concept of 'denial' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Making it difficult for an aggressor to achieve its military objectives.

Answer

Negotiating arms control agreements to reduce the risk of conflict.

Answer

Convincing an adversary that any attack will be met with overwhelming retaliation.

Question 9

Which of the following is a potential challenge to the effectiveness of deterrence in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

The rise of non-state actors with access to advanced weaponry.

Answer

The increased sophistication of conventional weapons systems.

Answer

The global trend towards nuclear disarmament.

Question 10

The idea that deterrence is more effective when both sides have the capability to inflict unacceptable damage is known as:

Accepted Answer

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)

Answer

Compellence

Answer

Escalation Dominance

Answer

Deterrence by Denial

Question 11

Which of the following is a core principle of nuclear deterrence?

Accepted Answer

Mutually assured destruction (MAD)

Answer

Extended deterrence

Answer

Limited nuclear war

Answer

Conventional deterrence

Question 12

Who is credited with developing the concept of rational deterrence?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Schelling

Answer

Henry Kissinger

Answer

Kenneth Waltz

Answer

George Kennan

Question 13

Which type of deterrence involves threatening to inflict damage on a non-military target in response to an attack?

Accepted Answer

Compellence

Answer

Extended deterrence

Answer

Counterforce

Answer

Counter-deterrence

Question 14

According to realist theory, what is the primary goal of deterrence?

Accepted Answer

Prevent war

Answer

Resolve conflicts peacefully

Answer

Establish a just world order

Answer

Promote cooperation

Question 15

What is a major weakness of extended deterrence?

Accepted Answer

It relies on the credibility of the extended power's commitment

Answer

It is too expensive

Answer

It requires a large military force

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences the credibility of a deterrent threat?

Accepted Answer

The strength of the military force

Answer

The communication of the threat

Answer

The political will to use force

Answer

The availability of alternative options

Question 17

What is the difference between counter-deterrence and counterforce?

Accepted Answer

Counter-deterrence targets an adversary's deterrent forces, while counterforce targets its military capabilities.

Answer

Counter-deterrence is a more aggressive strategy than counterforce.

Question 18

How has the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) impacted the theories of deterrence?

Accepted Answer

AI has increased the speed and accuracy of decision-making, making surprise attacks more difficult.

Answer

AI has reduced the need for human judgment in deterrence decision-making

Answer

AI has made nuclear deterrence obsolete

Question 19

Which of the following is a potential ethical concern associated with deterrence?

Accepted Answer

The risk of escalation to nuclear war

Answer

The violation of human rights

Answer

The erosion of trust between states

Answer

The damage to non-combatants

Question 20

What is the future of deterrence in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

It will remain a central pillar of international security, but it will need to adapt to new threats and technologies.

Answer

Deterrence will be replaced by new forms of security cooperation