Theories of International Relations: Master the Core Concepts

Question 1

In realist theory, states are characterized primarily by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Unitary actors with coherent foreign policies

Answer

Economic motivations

Answer

High levels of cooperation

Answer

Influence from non-state actors

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental characteristic of the international system, according to realist theory?

Accepted Answer

Interdependence

Answer

Anarchy

Answer

Self-interest

Answer

Balance of power

Question 3

According to realist theory, what is a defining feature of the international system?

Accepted Answer

A system characterized by anarchy and self-reliance

Answer

A hierarchical structure with dominant states

Answer

A stable and peaceful environment

Answer

A system governed by international law and institutions

Question 4

According to realism, a dominant theory in international relations, which belief is central?

Accepted Answer

States are the key players, prioritizing power enhancement.

Answer

International organizations are crucial for peace and stability.

Answer

Non-state actors significantly impact international affairs.

Answer

Democratic governments and liberal values guarantee a peaceful international system.

Question 5

In realist international relations theory, how do states behave in a system lacking a central authority?

Accepted Answer

Maintain a balance of power for security

Answer

Seek collective security through organizations

Answer

Prioritize economic cooperation

Answer

Resolve conflicts non-violently

Question 6

In realist theory, what is the primary objective of states within the international system?

Accepted Answer

National security

Answer

Economic prosperity

Answer

Human rights and democracy

Answer

International order and stability

Question 7

In the realist school of international relations, which of the following is a core assumption?

Accepted Answer

States are the central players in international relations.

Answer

International organizations and non-state actors have a major influence on global affairs.

Answer

Ethical considerations heavily guide the actions of states in the international system.

Answer

Collective security and global cooperation can effectively prevent conflicts between states.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Cooperation among states is inherently possible.

Answer

States are the primary actors in international politics.

Answer

The international system lacks a central authority.

Answer

Power is essential for national security.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

States

Answer

International organizations

Answer

Individuals

Answer

Non-state actors

Question 10

According to realist theory, which of the following is a defining characteristic of international relations?

Accepted Answer

There is no central authority to enforce rules or resolve conflicts.

Answer

States prioritize cooperation and mutual benefit.

Answer

States are primarily driven by altruism and global well-being.

Answer

The distribution of power among states has no impact on their behavior.

Question 11

According to the realist theory of international relations, which of the following is a fundamental assumption?

Accepted Answer

States are the main players in the global arena.

Answer

International law is a reliable means of resolving conflicts between nations.

Answer

Cooperation among nations is always feasible.

Answer

The United Nations is the most influential international organization.

Question 12

In the realist theory of international relations, what is the primary defining feature of the global political system?

Accepted Answer

The inherent conflict between nations driven by their pursuit of power and security.

Answer

A global governing body with the power to resolve conflicts between nations.

Answer

The effectiveness of peaceful cooperation and diplomacy in managing international relations.

Answer

The significant influence of non-state actors, such as corporations and NGOs, in shaping global politics.

Question 13

In the realist theory of international relations, which factor is considered the most influential in shaping world politics?

Accepted Answer

Material power and self-interest

Answer

Cultural norms and values

Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Distribution of natural resources

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

International law has no practical significance in international politics.

Answer

Nation-states are the primary actors in the international system.

Answer

Power dynamics are the main determinant of state behavior.

Answer

The international system lacks a central authority or governing body.

Question 15

In realist international relations theory, which principle states that states strive to increase their power and maintain a balance of power to prevent any one state from becoming too powerful?

Accepted Answer

Principle of Balance of Power

Answer

Principle of Harmony

Answer

Principle of Collective Security

Question 16

Which concept is NOT a fundamental principle of the realist theory of international relations?

Accepted Answer

Collective security

Answer

Power dynamics

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

National sovereignty

Question 17

In Kenneth Waltz's neorealist theory, which concept is NOT deemed essential for understanding state behavior in the international system?

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Anarchy

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Security dilemma

Question 18

In realist theory, which factor is considered paramount in shaping international relations?

Accepted Answer

Power and national interest

Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

International law and institutions

Question 19

According to the balance of power theory, which scenario is most likely to result in conflict?

Accepted Answer

A significant power imbalance between one state or alliance and its rivals

Answer

Substantial economic disparity among nations

Answer

Ideological differences between states

Question 20

According to realist theory, which of the following is NOT a primary goal of states within the international system?

Accepted Answer

Promoting economic development

Answer

Ensuring national security

Answer

Maintaining international stability

Question 21

Which assumption is NOT fundamental to the theory of realism in international relations?

Accepted Answer

States prioritize cooperation and mutual benefit.

Answer

States are the primary actors in the international system.

Answer

The international system lacks a central authority.

Answer

Power is a crucial factor in international relations.

Question 22

Constructivism, a prominent theory in international relations, emphasizes the influence of which factors in shaping state behavior and the international system?

Accepted Answer

Shared norms, values, and collective identities

Answer

Economic interests and military power

Answer

Military alliances and diplomatic arrangements

Answer

Resource scarcity and environmental factors

Question 23

According to the 'security dilemma' concept, which action, if taken by a state to enhance its security, is most likely to threaten the security of other states?

Accepted Answer

Increasing military spending

Answer

Negotiating arms control agreements

Answer

Joining a regional security alliance

Question 24

In the realist theory of international relations, which of the following is a fundamental assumption?

Accepted Answer

States are the main actors in international affairs.

Answer

International organizations are essential for preserving peace and security.

Answer

Economic interdependence promotes cooperation and reduces conflict between states.

Question 25

In the realist theory of international relations, which concept is central?

Accepted Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Influence of non-state actors

Answer

Significance of international organizations

Question 26

In international relations, what is the primary characteristic of anarchy?

Accepted Answer

Absence of a central authority to enforce order and resolve conflicts

Answer

Presence of a global government overseeing international affairs

Answer

Balance of power among states ensuring stability

Answer

Extensive cooperation and shared interests among states

Question 27

In the balance of power theory of international relations, which system is most likely to produce stability?

Accepted Answer

A system with multiple major powers of roughly equal strength

Answer

A system dominated by a single superpower

Answer

A system with a large number of small, weak states

Question 28

According to Marxist theory in international relations, what is the primary cause of global conflict and exploitation?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of wealth and resources

Answer

National self-interest

Answer

Clash of civilizations

Answer

Human desire for power

Question 29

In realist international relations theory, which concept is considered unique to this perspective?

Accepted Answer

State-centric world

Answer

Sovereignty

Answer

Interdependence

Answer

Normative principles

Question 30

In international relations, realism is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

A view of the international system as anarchic, with states competing for power.

Answer

A focus on international organizations promoting global stability.

Answer

A theory assuming states prioritize economic growth.

Question 31

In realist theory, which of these is a key feature of the international system?

Accepted Answer

States are the main players in international relations.

Answer

International organizations are essential for maintaining peace and stability.

Answer

Power is evenly distributed among states.

Answer

Economic interdependence always leads to cooperation and harmony among states.

Question 32

Realist theory suggests that emotions and psychology can influence state behavior. Which of the following is NOT a way in which this influence can occur?

Accepted Answer

Emotions and psychology have no impact on state behavior.

Answer

Emotions can lead states to misinterpret threats.

Answer

Psychology can affect how states perceive their relative power.

Answer

Emotions can drive states to cooperate with one another.

Question 33

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

Accepted Answer

States are the primary actors in international politics and their main goal is to ensure their survival.

Answer

International politics is essentially cooperative and characterized by a harmony of interests.

Answer

The distribution of power among states is not a significant factor in determining their behavior.

Answer

Norms and values have a decisive influence on the behavior of states.

Question 34

Liberal institutionalism, as a theory of international relations, underscores the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence and the creation of international institutions.

Answer

Military power as the primary determinant of state behavior.

Answer

National sovereignty as the bedrock of international order.

Answer

Cultural differences as the root cause of conflict.

Question 35

According to critical theory in international relations, the international system is fundamentally:

Accepted Answer

Unjust and oppressive, perpetuating inequality and conflict.

Answer

Just and equitable, ensuring the well-being of all states.

Answer

Neutral and impartial, allowing states to pursue their own interests.

Answer

Ahistorical and unchanging,不受历史事件的影响.

Question 36

The security dilemma in international relations refers to the situation where:

Accepted Answer

States are compelled to arm themselves even when they do not desire conflict.

Answer

States cooperate to reduce tensions and avoid conflict.

Answer

States can accurately assess the intentions of other states and avoid misperceptions.

Answer

States are able to resolve conflicts peacefully through diplomacy.

Question 37

A hegemonic stability system in international relations is characterized by the presence of:

Accepted Answer

A single dominant power that maintains order and stability.

Answer

A balance of power among multiple major powers.

Answer

A high level of cooperation and interdependence among states.

Answer

A chaotic and conflict-ridden international system.

Question 38

Liberalism contends that:

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence fosters cooperation and harmony among states.

Answer

States are inherently antagonistic and driven by aggression.

Answer

The use of force is often necessary to maintain global order.

Answer

International institutions have minimal influence on state actions.

Question 39

Constructivists emphasize the significance of:

Accepted Answer

Ideas, beliefs, and social norms

Answer

National self-interests

Answer

Economic factors

Answer

Military capacities

Question 40

Critical theory is characteristically critical of:

Accepted Answer

The assumptions of prevailing IR theories.

Answer

The prominence of the United States in global economic affairs.

Answer

The use of nuclear armaments.

Answer

The spread of democracy worldwide.

Question 41

An advantage of realism is that it:

Accepted Answer

Offers a simple and coherent explanation of state behavior.

Answer

Is supported by empirical data.

Answer

Provides clear policy recommendations.

Answer

Considers the impact of non-state actors.

Question 42

Critical theory is particularly adept at analyzing:

Accepted Answer

The role of power dynamics in international relations.

Answer

The impact of globalization on the world economy.

Answer

The cultural influences on state behavior.

Answer

The causes of war and peace.

Question 43

Which of the following scenarios aligns most closely with realist theory?

Accepted Answer

The outbreak of war between two rival nations.

Answer

The establishment of a new international organization.

Answer

The ratification of a peace agreement.

Answer

The global spread of democratic values.

Question 44

According to constructivism, a state's identity is:

Accepted Answer

Socially constructed and subject to change.

Answer

Fixed and immutable.

Answer

Shaped by its economic interests.

Answer

Dependent on its military capabilities.

Question 45

How do feminist approaches in international relations challenge conventional notions of power and security?

Accepted Answer

By exposing the exclusion of women's experiences and the undervaluation of caregiving

Answer

By emphasizing the influence of economic factors on power dynamics

Answer

By advocating a return to conventional gender roles

Question 46

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

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence fosters cooperation and reduces conflict among states.

Answer

States are the primary actors in international relations.

Answer

The international system lacks a central authority to enforce rules.

Question 47

According to realist theory, what is the primary characteristic of the international system?

Accepted Answer

Anarchy and the absence of a central governing authority

Answer

Extensive cooperation and mutual interdependence among states

Answer

Fluid and constantly shifting boundaries between states

Answer

A high degree of stability and predictability in international relations

Question 48

Which assumption is central to the realist theory of international relations?

Accepted Answer

States are the primary actors in international politics.

Answer

Non-state actors have no significant influence on global affairs.

Answer

International cooperation and harmony are prevalent.

Question 49

Which prominent theory of international relations underscores the centrality of power and national interest as the primary drivers of state behavior?

Accepted Answer

Classical realism

Answer

Liberal institutionalism

Answer

Social constructivism

Answer

Marxist theory

Question 50

Which theory emphasizes the role of international institutions and cooperation in fostering peace and stability?

Accepted Answer

Liberal institutionalism

Answer

Neorealism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Critical theory

Question 51

Which theory argues that shared beliefs, identities, and norms significantly shape international relations?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 52

Which theory challenges the assumptions of traditional international relations theories by highlighting the influence of power, inequality, and oppression?

Accepted Answer

Critical theory

Answer

Postmodernism

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

Realist theory

Question 53

Which concept is central to the liberal perspective on international relations?

Accepted Answer

Interdependence

Answer

Sovereignty

Answer

Balance of power

Answer

National interest

Question 54

What is the fundamental argument of constructivist theory?

Accepted Answer

Social constructs, such as identities and ideas, shape state behavior

Answer

Material factors drive international relations

Answer

The international system is anarchic and conflict-ridden

Answer

International organizations enhance cooperation and stability

Question 55

Clarity and Precision Revised: Which fundamental premise underpins realism in international relations?

Accepted Answer

States are the primary actors in the international system.

Answer

International organizations play a vital role in maintaining peace.

Answer

Economic interdependence fosters cooperation between states.

Answer

Ideological factors exert minimal influence on foreign policy.

Question 56

Answer Options Assessed and Refined: According to liberalism, which of the following is believed to promote harmony and collaboration among states?

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Power equilibrium

Answer

Collective security arrangements

Answer

Unquestioned national sovereignty

Question 57

Difficulty Adjusted: Identify a criticism commonly leveled against constructivism in international relations.

Accepted Answer

Overemphasis on the influence of ideas and identities

Answer

Ignores material factors shaping international politics

Answer

Too deterministic, leaving little room for agency

Answer

Lack of empirical testing

Question 58

Curriculum Context Aligned: Which characteristic defines a unipolar international system?

Accepted Answer

Dominance of a single powerful state

Answer

Presence of multiple competing powers

Answer

System of collective security

Answer

Fragmented international order

Question 59

Language Accessibility Optimized: Which key finding is associated with the democratic peace theory?

Accepted Answer

Democracies are less likely to engage in armed conflict

Answer

Democracies tend to cooperate more effectively

Answer

Democracies actively intervene to promote democracy globally

Answer

Democracies establish alliances with authoritarian regimes

Question 60

Which premise underpins realism in international relations?

Accepted Answer

States constitute the primary actors in global politics.

Answer

International politics is inherently cooperative.

Answer

Ideologies and norms exert a significant influence on state behavior.

Answer

Economic interdependence fosters peace and stability.

Question 61

Constructivism in international relations places emphasis on the role of:

Accepted Answer

Ideas, norms, and identities.

Answer

Material power and capabilities.

Answer

Domestic politics and institutions.

Answer

International organizations and regimes.

Question 62

Which theory of international relations would be most likely to advocate for the use of international law in conflict resolution?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Critical Theory

Question 63

According to realism, the primary driving force behind state behavior in international politics is:

Accepted Answer

National interest

Answer

Ideology

Answer

Culture

Answer

Economic interdependence

Question 64

Constructivism in international relations argues that:

Accepted Answer

Ideas and norms shape state identities and interests.

Answer

Material power alone determines state behavior.

Answer

The international system is a self-perpetuating system that perpetuates conflict.

Answer

International organizations are the most important actors in international politics.