International Relations perspective
Exam Questions and Answers
Realism - ANSWER-outlines political relations under the assumption that power is the
primary end of political action - by means of security; state power domestic or
international; national interest, security, power
states are self-interested, power seeking powers; seek security and maximized survival;
power is main variable
"the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must"
Liberalism - ANSWER-democracy and international interdependence (efficient
institutions)
current international system - global society
broad agenda of social, economic, and environmental issues arising from gap between
demands and resources
Constructivism - ANSWER-shared beliefs (norms, identities, and or discourse)
need for orderly meaningful social life
social constraints (i.e. laws, rules, norms, taboos)
aspects of international relations are products of history and social construction,
processes of social practice and interaction
Democratic Peace Theory - ANSWER-Idea that democracies tend not to fight wars
against one another and that the spread of democratic government can be the antidote
to war in the international system
Centrality of anarchy in international relations - ANSWER-The world lacks any supreme
authority or sovereign. There is no hierarchy superior to others and no high coercive
power that can resolve disputes, enforce law, or order the system of international law.
Exam Questions and Answers
Realism - ANSWER-outlines political relations under the assumption that power is the
primary end of political action - by means of security; state power domestic or
international; national interest, security, power
states are self-interested, power seeking powers; seek security and maximized survival;
power is main variable
"the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must"
Liberalism - ANSWER-democracy and international interdependence (efficient
institutions)
current international system - global society
broad agenda of social, economic, and environmental issues arising from gap between
demands and resources
Constructivism - ANSWER-shared beliefs (norms, identities, and or discourse)
need for orderly meaningful social life
social constraints (i.e. laws, rules, norms, taboos)
aspects of international relations are products of history and social construction,
processes of social practice and interaction
Democratic Peace Theory - ANSWER-Idea that democracies tend not to fight wars
against one another and that the spread of democratic government can be the antidote
to war in the international system
Centrality of anarchy in international relations - ANSWER-The world lacks any supreme
authority or sovereign. There is no hierarchy superior to others and no high coercive
power that can resolve disputes, enforce law, or order the system of international law.
