Master International Relations Theories: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

States are the central actors in international affairs.

Answer

International institutions play a significant role in maintaining peace.

Answer

Moral and ethical considerations shape the behavior of states.

Answer

Economic interdependence promotes cooperation among states.

Question 2

According to liberal international relations theory, which factor contributes to international cooperation and stability?

Accepted Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Military superiority

Answer

Nationalism

Answer

Balance of power

Question 3

How does neorealist international relations theory differ from classical realist theory?

Accepted Answer

Neorealism focuses on the distribution of power within the international system.

Answer

Neorealism emphasizes the role of international institutions in shaping state behavior.

Answer

Neorealism assumes that states are inherently peaceful actors.

Answer

Neorealism is based on the belief in the viability of a democratic global order.

Question 4

Which theory posits that states tend to adopt cautious and defensive foreign policies?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Idealism

Question 5

According to interdependence theory, which factor can potentially foster cooperation among states?

Accepted Answer

Economic vulnerability

Answer

Military alliances

Answer

Cultural similarities

Answer

Political ideology

Question 6

Identify a central concept within the theory of hegemonic stability.

Accepted Answer

Balance of power

Answer

Collective security

Answer

Unilateralism

Answer

International organizations

Question 7

How does constructivism explain the development of international norms?

Accepted Answer

Through the dissemination of ideas and values.

Answer

Through the process of socialization by international institutions.

Answer

Through the coercive power wielded by dominant states.

Answer

Through the inherent evolution of human society.

Question 8

According to liberal international relations theory, what is the perceived role of international organizations?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate collective security

Answer

To undermine state sovereignty

Answer

To promote economic exploitation

Answer

To hinder free trade

Question 9

Which key assumption underpins realist theory in international relations?

Accepted Answer

States prioritize maximizing their power and ensuring their security.

Answer

International organizations can effectively prevent conflicts and wars.

Answer

Cultural values and norms outweigh the distribution of power among nations.

Answer

Economic interdependence fosters cooperation and peace.

Question 10

Which characteristic is NOT associated with constructivist theory?

Accepted Answer

Power is the primary factor determining international outcomes.

Answer

State identities and interests are shaped by social factors.

Answer

International norms and institutions influence state behavior.

Answer

Ideas and beliefs play a significant role in shaping international relations.

Question 11

Which theory places emphasis on the influence of non-state actors, such as NGOs and multinational companies, in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Globalization theory

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 12

According to liberal theory, what is considered the most effective means of preventing war and conflict?

Accepted Answer

Promoting free trade and economic interdependence

Answer

Investing in a strong military force

Answer

Establishing alliances and implementing collective security measures

Answer

Negotiating and enforcing international agreements

Question 13

Which theory suggests that international relations are shaped by the dissemination of a dominant culture and set of ideas?

Accepted Answer

Hegemonic stability theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Question 14

Which theory places emphasis on the role of identity and culture in shaping international relations?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Globalization theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Postcolonial theory

Question 15

According to realist theory, which factor is central in determining state behavior in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Power

Answer

Ideology

Answer

Economic interdependence

Answer

Culture

Question 16

Which assumption is NOT central to the liberalist perspective in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Conflict is inherent in international relations.

Answer

States are rational actors.

Answer

Cooperation is possible and beneficial.

Answer

Economic interdependence creates incentives for cooperation.

Question 17

Which theory places primary importance on the role of ideas, norms, and social interactions in shaping state behavior?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Neo-Marxism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Functionalism

Question 18

The balance of power theory suggests that states' primary goal in international relations is to:

Accepted Answer

Maximize their power and influence.

Answer

Promote democracy globally.

Answer

Maintain stability and prevent war.

Answer

Reduce economic inequality.

Question 19

According to the democratic peace theory, which type of political system is more likely to avoid war?

Accepted Answer

Democracies

Answer

Authoritarian regimes

Answer

Monarchy

Answer

Oligarchy

Question 20

Which theory in international relations emphasizes the influence of the global economy on state behavior and international relations?

Accepted Answer

World-systems theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

Mercantilism

Answer

Realism

Question 21

Neoclassical realist theory highlights which factor as a significant source of uncertainty and misperception in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive biases

Answer

Domestic politics

Answer

Structural complexity

Answer

Technological advancements

Question 22

Which theory in international relations emphasizes the role of international institutions in facilitating cooperation and interdependence among states?

Accepted Answer

Neoliberal institutionalism

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Realist theory

Answer

Constructivism

Question 23

Liberalism argues that the primary cause of international conflict stems from:

Accepted Answer

Economic disparities

Answer

Cultural differences

Answer

Competition for scarce resources

Answer

Clash of ideologies

Question 24

Constructivism emphasizes which of the following as a key factor in shaping international behavior?

Accepted Answer

National identity

Answer

Power dynamics

Answer

Economic interests

Answer

Geographical factors

Question 25

Which theory places significant emphasis on the influence of cultural factors in shaping international relations?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Marxism

Question 26

How does liberalism differ from realism in its view of human nature?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism emphasizes human rationality, whereas realism highlights irrationality.

Answer

Liberalism views humans as fundamentally good, while realism regards them as inherently evil.

Answer

Liberalism assumes humans are self-interested, while realism emphasizes altruism.

Answer

Liberalism does not make any assumptions about human nature, unlike realism.

Question 27

Which of the following is considered a hegemonic power?

Accepted Answer

The United States

Answer

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Answer

The European Union (EU)

Answer

The United Nations (UN)

Question 28

How does the theory of relative gains influence the behavior of states?

Accepted Answer

It promotes competition and rivalry among states.

Answer

It encourages cooperation among states.

Answer

It has no significant impact on state behavior.

Answer

It fosters isolationist tendencies among states.

Question 29

How has globalization impacted the traditional concept of state sovereignty, particularly in relation to the challenges posed by transnational actors and global interdependence?

Accepted Answer

Globalization has weakened state sovereignty, reducing the state's authority over its territory and its ability to manage its affairs.

Answer

Globalization has strengthened state sovereignty, increasing the power of nation-states.

Answer

Globalization has had little impact on state sovereignty, which remains as strong as before.

Answer

Globalization has empowered states by providing them with new tools and resources to assert their sovereignty.

Question 30

According to realism, what is the primary goal of states in the international system?

Accepted Answer

Preservation of their power and security

Answer

Economic prosperity

Answer

Military superiority

Answer

Promotion of global cooperation

Question 31

Constructivism emphasizes the role of which of the following in shaping international relations?

Accepted Answer

Shared norms and ideas

Answer

Power dynamics and military alliances

Answer

Economic interests and trade relationships

Answer

Geographical factors and natural resources

Question 32

Which theory postulates that alliances are most likely to form when states face a common threat?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Marxism

Question 33

The 'power transition' theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Rising powers may challenge established powers for dominance.

Answer

Established powers can always maintain their superiority.

Answer

International organizations can prevent power imbalances.

Answer

Economic interdependence eliminates the potential for conflict.

Question 34

What is the distinctive characteristic of 'soft power' in international relations?

Accepted Answer

It exerts influence through cultural appeal and attraction.

Answer

It involves military coercion and force.

Answer

It relies on economic sanctions and trade restrictions.

Answer

It is exercised through diplomatic pressure and negotiations.

Question 35

In constructivism, the concept of 'securitization' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The process of framing an issue as a security threat.

Answer

The use of military force to resolve international disputes.

Answer

The cooperation between states to address common threats.

Answer

The role of international organizations in maintaining peace.

Question 36

Which theory posits that the domestic political structures of states influence their foreign policy?

Accepted Answer

Democratic peace theory

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 37

According to liberalism, the possibility of international cooperation stems from:

Accepted Answer

Shared interests among states

Answer

States being inherently rational

Answer

The existence of international organizations that foster cooperation

Question 38

Constructivism argues that international relations are shaped primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Shared ideas, beliefs, and cultural norms

Answer

Material factors such as power and resources

Answer

The inherent nature of individuals

Question 39

Which theory of international relations emphasizes the role of social norms and international institutions in shaping state behavior?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Question 40

A key criticism of realism is that it:

Accepted Answer

Neglects the influence of non-state actors

Answer

Overemphasizes the significance of economic power

Answer

Is excessively optimistic about the potential for international cooperation

Question 41

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

Accepted Answer

Identity

Answer

Systemic anarchy

Answer

Balance of power

Question 42

Which theory of international relations is most closely associated with the scholar John Mearsheimer?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 43

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

Accepted Answer

States are the primary actors in the international system and prioritize increasing their power.

Answer

Shared values and norms are the driving forces behind state behavior.

Answer

International cooperation is the primary means of achieving peace and security.

Question 44

How does liberalism differ from realism in its approach to international relations?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism emphasizes the potential for cooperation through international institutions and shared values, while realism focuses on competition and power.

Answer

Liberalism assumes states are always rational actors, while realism acknowledges the role of emotion and ideology.

Question 45

How does power influence state behavior in the international system?

Accepted Answer

States with greater power have more influence over the actions of others and can better achieve their objectives.

Answer

Power is irrelevant to state behavior in the modern international system.

Question 46

What is a primary role of international institutions in the global system?

Accepted Answer

International institutions provide frameworks for cooperation, reduce the likelihood of conflict, and facilitate communication between states.

Answer

International institutions primarily serve the interests of powerful states and have little impact on global affairs.

Question 47

What is a major criticism of the balance of power theory in international relations?

Accepted Answer

It assumes that states are rational actors who always prioritize maximizing their power, neglecting the influence of other factors like ideology or domestic politics.

Answer

The balance of power theory ignores the role of non-state actors in global affairs.

Question 48

How does interdependence affect the behavior of states in the international system?

Accepted Answer

Interdependence increases the likelihood of cooperation between states as they have a mutual interest in maintaining the relationship.

Answer

Interdependence always leads to conflict as states compete for resources and influence.

Question 49

Which of the following is an example of a norm in international relations?

Accepted Answer

The prohibition on the use of chemical weapons in warfare.

Answer

The belief in the importance of individual liberty.

Answer

The pursuit of economic growth.

Answer

The desire for national security.

Question 50

How does globalization affect the international system?

Accepted Answer

Globalization increases interconnectedness and interdependence, creating opportunities for cooperation but also challenges for managing complex issues like climate change and global inequality.

Answer

Globalization has little impact on the international system, which is still primarily driven by state-centric power dynamics.

Question 51

Which of the following is a major trend in contemporary international relations?

Accepted Answer

The rise of non-state actors, such as multinational corporations, international NGOs, and terrorist groups, which are increasingly influencing global affairs.

Answer

The return to a bipolar international system dominated by the US and Russia.

Answer

The decline of the nation-state as the primary actor in global politics.