POLI 270 – Flashcard
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
The agent-structure debate revolves, in part, around the role of individuals on the outcomes in International relations. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
Normative claims can be subjected to empirical tests to prove their validity. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
Having a set of intensively held values
answer
Allows personal beliefs to influence empirical inquiry
question
Popper opposed an "open society" of scholars that embraces theoretical and methodological diversity. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
To think theoretically one must
answer
Assume an underlying order to human affairs
question
The "paradigm mentality" leads to research approaches that
answer
Are narrow and rigid
question
The best way to encourage theoretical creativity and imagination is to
answer
Have several competing theories
question
Systematic thinking about "International Relations" requires that we define the unit of analysis. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
Thinking theoretically requires a willingness to sacrifice detail and embrace broad observations. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
Positivism dominates what school of International Relations theory?
answer
Realism
question
E.H. Carr maintains that the nature of politic is such that a. Priority should be given to power. b. priority must be given to morality c. political power follows moral authority d. None of the above
answer
d. None of the above
question
Hedley Bull contends that
answer
Since the dawn of nation states, elements of international society have always been present
question
That moral principles should/ought to guide politics is an ideal embraced by
answer
Immanuel Kant
question
Kant argues that "reason instructs" and motivates us toward the goal of a world society of "perpetual peace" a. True b. False
answer
True
question
The concept of sovereign states as the supreme, independent, and final authority in international politics is very typical of normative thinking. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
Just War Theory is a
answer
Normative theory that defines the conduct of war
question
Hugo Grotius argued that international law is based upon: a. natural law b. customary practices c. power politics d. international treaties e. all of the above except C f. all of the above except A
answer
all of the above except C
question
A theory of international politics based on "value judgments" and "moral perspectives" is considered
answer
Normative Theory
question
Divorcing norms from decisions we make about international relations may be difficult, but is possible according to normative theory. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
"A prince therefore who desires to maintain himself must learn to be not always good, but to be so or not as necessity may require." This sage advice was given by Immanuel Kant. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
The "English School" of International Relations Theory focused attention on
answer
the workings of an international society
question
Grotius argues that international law governs nations' behavior
answer
In times of war and peace
question
The "state" is generally assumed by realists to be
answer
a single rational actor
question
Realism holds that international relations are fundamentally:
answer
an amoral issue.
question
The Realist perspective originated with classical English authors such as Disraeli. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
The "Security Dilemma" is a phenomenon rooted in the anarchic international system. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
Thomas Hobbes argued that:
answer
"Where there is no common power, there is no law: where no law, no injustice."
question
_____writes that "the strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept what they have to accept."
answer
Thucydides
question
According to Thomas Hobbes, war is an evil that can be prevented by improving human nature. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
For realists, moral and ethical concerns are generally
answer
subordinated to considerations of power and interests.
question
Realism emphasizes the constraints placed on international politics by a. human nature b. the absence of international government c. the primacy of power and security d. all of the above e. only B and C
answer
d. all of the above
question
The "stag hunt" is Rousseau's illustration of
answer
the logic of international anarchy.
question
Realist agree that "low politics" (trade, domestic concerns, etc) are on par with "high politics" (security, war, etc.) in determining state behavior. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
"The Melian Dialogue" underlines considerations of
answer
power and interest in international politics
question
For Classical Realists, fear is not a fundamental cause of war. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
According to Rousseau, the underlying cause of conflict in international relations is
answer
the social context within which states exist
question
For realists, anarchy drives states to seek security primarily by
answer
seeking relative power over other states.
question
____ argued that imperialism inevitably emerged as a direct continuation in the development of monopoly capitalism.
answer
V.I. Lenin
question
Lenin's theory of imperialism focused on
answer
Advanced capitalist states
question
Marx's theory of revolution underestimated the power of
answer
Nationalism
question
For economic structuralists, the proper starting point of analysis is:
answer
the international system
question
Marxists (economic structuralists) assume that uneven development is the result of
answer
Structures of domination
question
Marx assumed conflict (fault-line) within society was driven primarily by
answer
Mechanisms of exploitation controlled by a particular class.
question
For Marx, the principle form of conflict in human history is
answer
Class struggle
question
Marxism rejects Realism's tendency to analyze politics and the international state system in isolation and the lack of focus on the relationship global capitalism. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
The capitalist world-system theory, like theories of realism, necessarily places the state at the center of analysis. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
Dialectical Materialism is a theory developed by:
answer
Karl Marx
question
Neorealism claims that states are structurally predisposed to behave in generally predictable patterns, but to understand specific behaviors we must look at
answer
the internal disposition of states
question
A systems theory of IR relegates state-level issues to secondary importance in explaining the outcomes of state actions. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
State behavior is characterized by rational self-interested behavior determined by the systemic constraints of the international system. This statement fairly represents the view of Neorealism. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
A system is a mental image that helps us visualize international relations and explain
answer
Patterns and interactions of states
question
The structure of the system influences state behavior, but does not determine the outcome. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
Neorealism highlights its constraints by only focusing on the influence of
answer
distribution of power among states
question
According to advocates of systemic theory, explaining international outcomes on the basis of state-level causes is an example of
answer
Reductionist theory
question
The international "system" is independent of the wishes of states but ________ determine system-level outcomes.
answer
competition among states
question
An "international system" is defined as:
answer
the phenomenon resulting from the interaction of actors
question
According to advocates of systemic theory, explaining international outcomes on the basis of state-level causes is an example of
answer
Reductionist theory
question
According to Neorealists, a theory of international relations that seeks explanation by looking at the human psyche is an example of:
answer
Reductionism
question
A decision-makers' "perceptions" are considered a "systemic cause" in Neorealist theory of IR. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
Politics conducted in a condition of anarchy makes
answer
states functionally similar
question
The game of prisoners' dilemma is based on the assumption that states do act irrationally. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
Waltz believes that it is not absolutely necessary to take into account
answer
The Domestic characteristics of states
question
Balance-of-power theory does not explain outcomes in international politics in which the system is anarchic and states seek to survive. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
Neorealism assumes that economic cooperation is sought by states in an anarchic world. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
Neorealist assume that one of the important effects of anarchy is
answer
Even states content to live in peace are condemned to a relentless struggle for security.
question
Balance-of-Power theory assumes that:
answer
balances are the natural and inevitable outcome of the struggle for power.
question
Neorealism focuses attention on
answer
states' concerns about relative gains in power
question
Waltz believes that taking into account which aspect(s) of structure is not necessary if the system is anarchic?
answer
the domestic characteristics of states
question
The ordering principle in any given system can be which of the following? a. Anarchy b. Autarky c. Hierarchy d. All of the above e. A or C
answer
e. A or C
question
Balance-of-Power is a theory used to explain the outcome of individual states' efforts to survive and enhance their power. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
The "structure" of the system is determined by
answer
the attributes of the system
question
The structure of a system is defined by a. its ordering principles b. the characteristics of actors in the system c. the distribution of capabilities across the system d. All of the above e. Only A
answer
All of the above
question
The structure of the system operates as a cause of state behavior, but not the only one a. True b. False
answer
True
question
That similar patterns of state behavior are observed in international politics is attributed to
answer
the structure of the system.
question
To say that a state is sovereign is to say that
answer
a state can decide for itself its policies.
question
The use of force and the threat of violence is what distinguish domestic politics and international politics. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
When cooperation occurs in international politics, the primary concern(s) of states is/are a. relative gains in power. b. the impact on the balance of power. c. absolute gains in power. d. Only A and B e. A, B and C are all correct
answer
Only A and B
question
A set of principles, norms, rules and procedure around which actors' expectations converge is an
answer
International regime
question
For liberals, anarchy is mitigated by a. International Regimes b. State level economic reform c. International institutions d. All of the above e. Only A and C
answer
Only A and C
question
Like realists, neoliberals assume that there is a logical link between the conditions of anarchy and war. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
For liberals, states are less inclined to resort to international hostility if a. They share a common political and economic regime-type b. They engage in commercial rivalry with other states c. They would suffer from the interruption of free trade d. All of the above e. Only A and C
answer
Only A and C
question
Economic self-interest is a disincentive for war when
answer
Trade creates mutual dependence
question
Liberal Institutionalists believe that states are more concerned with maximizing absolute gains than ensuring relative gains. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
Liberalism (Neofunctionalism) takes from game theory analysis of international politics a zero-sum perspective rather than a positive-sum perspective. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
Liberals assume that international organizations can be independent actors in their own right. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
Liberals generally take _______ of how states affect international relations and outcomes.
answer
An inside-out view
question
From the perspective of liberalism, people are reasoning beings concerned with self-preservation and self-improvement and Liberals therefore assume that
answer
States can learn to secure international peace
question
Robert Keohane argues that strong states with a long time horizon
answer
Can facilitate cooperation when dealing with a global collective goods problem
question
Stephen Brooks argues that the key to understanding the relationship between international commerce and war is
answer
The globalization of production
question
A liberal theory that explains how states collaborate to achieve common goals is
answer
Functionalism
question
Voluntarism assumes that system structure takes precedence over agency. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
Liberals believe that the moral aspirations of states will not be thwarted by the absence of an overarching global authority. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
Post-structuralism focuses our attention on competing representations of history and rejects the idea of a "true" account of history written by the dominant power. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
What do post-positivist theorists mean when they say that "theory is always for someone and for some purpose"?
answer
All theories are rooted in assumptions conditioned by human perspective
question
Realists rely on static definitions of the "national interests" to explain state behavior, but Constructivists (like Finnemore) contend that state action is motivated more by
answer
Changing international norms
question
Post-structuralists view state sovereignty as
answer
A questionable claim that the state is the primary and exclusive actor in IR
question
Constructivists believe that positivist theory is a firm foundation upon which we can base our explanation of reality. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
Post-structuralism embraces a. The Enlightenment's views of scientific progress b. The Behavioralists's "scientific method" c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B
answer
Neither A nor B
question
For Constructivists, actors/agents (people and states) are atomistic rational actors, not inherently social and a product of social relationships. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
The fundamental orientation of Constructivism is theorizing about
answer
The normative and ideological impact on political actors
question
Constructivists (like Wendt) believe that neorealism's assumptions about international anarchy are:
answer
Socially constructed and subjective
question
According to constructivist theory, the security dilemma is an socially constructed feature of international relations, not an inherent aspect of anarchy. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
According to constructivist theory, states and individuals are subject to structural determinism. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
The end of the Cold War, and the "failure" of rationalist/positivitist IR theory (Neorealism and Neoliberalism) to predict and explain a fundamental change in the international system, motivated Constructivists to question these theories' assumptions about a. Anarchy b. Agent-structure relations c. The influence of ideas on state behavior d. All of the above e. Only A and B
answer
All of the above
question
Constructivist theories of International Relations are:
answer
Post-structural approaches to theorizing about identity and interest
question
Post-Structuralism takes issue with neorealist conceptions of the state as the primary unit of analysis by questioning (problematizing) the
answer
Origins of the state
question
Constructivists have criticized "rationalists/positivists" for being wrongheaded or misguided about a. Ontological issues b. Methodological questions c. Normative assumptions d. All of the above e. Only C
answer
All of the above
question
"Theory is always for someone and for some purpose" highlights the
answer
need to critically scrutinize all theory's ideological foundations
question
A major goal to Critical Theory is to
answer
emancipate us from unjust social and economic structures
question
A major focus of Critical Theorists is
answer
interpretation of observation
question
Critical Theory a. embraces the assumptions of human objectivity b. emphasizes the subjectivity of human inquiry c. rejects the notion of value-free social science d. All of the above e. Only B and C
answer
Only B and C
question
Phenomenology focuses on the interpretive understanding of human observation of the world around us. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
The current world order is assumed by Critical Theorists to be
answer
not natural, necessary, or historically invariable
question
Critical theorists reject as utopian concerns about a. universalizing certain moral and political principles b. reducing material inequality in the world c. respecting ethnic and cultural differences d. None of the above
answer
None of the above
question
The built-in bias of Neorealism and Neoliberalism toward stability and maintaining the status quo is viewed by Critical Theorists as
answer
typical of a problem solving/technical approach to IR Theory
question
Marxist ambitions of not just offering an alternative interpretation of the world but seeking to change the world are central to Critical Theory. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
On the Voluntarism-Determinism continuum, Critical Theorists fall on the
answer
Voluntarist extreme
question
Our assumptions about the essence of things in general is
answer
ontology
question
Self-reflection and probing the origins of knowledge are rejected by Critical Theorists in favor of rational accounts of International Relations. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
Critical Theorists are not concerned with exposing ideological claims presented as objective theoretical explanations. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
For Critical Theorists, human observation and theory is subject to
answer
our inability to be completely independent of the world around us
question
Many feminists prefer historical or interpretive understandings of gender roles rather than methodologies that claim that facts are neutral. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
From a feminist perspectives
answer
states are just as likely to threaten human security as enhance it
question
The theoretical assumption that gender identities are natural or "human nature" (not socially constructed) a. reproduces the status quo in existing international power relations b. threatens the foundations of positivist international relations theory c. is rejected by feminist International Relations theory d. All of the above e. Only A and C
answer
Only A and C
question
Feminist perspectives on international organizations argue that
answer
these institutions reflect the norms and interests of hegemonic groups
question
The realist rational, unitary power-maximizing state perspective
answer
marginalizes a gendered analysis
question
Postmodern feminists, contrary to liberal and radical feminists, embrace the idea that women are a homogeneous group and embracing a uniform gendered perspective will undermine the "masculine" domination of IR. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
Some feminists (radical feminists) argue that a. affirmative action will not solve the problem of gender in IR b. accounting for women's important role in IR will solve the problem c. the basic class/patriarchy structures in society must be changed d. All of the above e. Only A and C
answer
Only A and C
question
Gender is a set of a
answer
social and culturally constructed identities
question
Liberal or empirical feminists seek to bring in a gendered perspective by a. accounting for women's participation in international relations b. identifying ways to overcome barriers to women's under representation c. including women in national security/high politics circles d. All of the above
answer
All of the above
question
From a feminist perspective, gender permeates social life, and has profound, but often unnoticed effects on international relations. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
Feminists criticize international system beliefs that are masculine-biased as well as those that are gender-neutral. a. True b. False
answer
True
question
For feminists, social relations are a key unit of analysis for explaining
answer
unequal power relations
question
Mainstream structural theories of IR are embraced by some Feminist theories as adequate explanations of the human experience. a. True b. False
answer
False
question
Feminists' concern about gender inequality are in line with the concerns ctitical theorists have about the notion of security. a. True b. False
answer
True