INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS EXAM I
STUDY GUIDE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Multipolar system - ANSWER-Has 5/6 centers of power, which are not grouped into
alliances
Bipolar System - ANSWER-Has two great centers of power
Hegemony - ANSWER-One state holds most of the power in the international system
- Dominates rules and arrangements
Hegemonic stability theory - ANSWER-
Rationality - ANSWER-Decision makers set goals, evaluate their relative importance,
calculate the costs and benefits of each possible course of action, and then choose the
one with the highest benefits and lowest costs
- As long as they think they are moving towards their goals they are rational
Rational course of action - ANSWER-1. Search for all potential policy options
2. Search for all available info on those options
3. Evaluate the costs and benefits of each option
4. Choose the option that yields the greatest net benefit
Offensive realism - ANSWER-States are seeking to maximize their power;
Defined as the ability to get another actor to do what it otherwise would not have done
Prisoner's dillema - ANSWER-Individual action is better for the individual, but
cooperative actions are better for society
Liberalism - ANSWER-Theories draw on reciprocity or identity principles.
Generally more optimistic than realism about the prospects for peace and cooperation
Liberal institutionalism - ANSWER-- Reciprocity
- Worldwide federation of states
- Respect its principles, remain autonomous, forego some short-term individual gains
- Concedes to realism important assumptions
- Anarchy, states are rational actors
- Institutions - agreed upon norms, rules, practices
, - Formal - treaties, laws, organizations
- Informal - summits, conferences, norms
- Shared norms
- Sovereignty
- Peaceful conflict resolution as first method
Believes that states aren't always looking for conflicts, so cooperation is the most
rational decision.
Complex interdependence - ANSWER-• Multiple channels connect states and societies
• Multiple issues motivate actors
• Variety of actors (pluralism)
• Web of relationships
• Military force not as effective
• Cooperation is a result of complex interdependence
Constructivism - ANSWER-Focuses on the nature of norms, identity, and social
interaction
- State identities are complex and changing and arise from interactions with other states
Economic Structuralism - ANSWER-Sees collaboration as exploitation of the poor
Main actors = classes
Class identity > national identity
Workers are deceived about their interests
Surplus value -- difference between the value of raw material and the value of final
product
Rich get richer, poor are left behind
Marxism - ANSWER-Critique of liberal capitalism
- If wealth is distributed unequally there will be rebellion
Liberal Feminism vs Difference Feminism - ANSWER-Liberal: no difference between
genders
Difference: Women are more peaceful
Imperialism - ANSWER-Countries will try to extend their power by dominating other
countries
Foreign policy - ANSWER-state policy toward international relations
Military-Industrial complex - ANSWER-comprises the policy and monetary relationships
which exist between legislators, national armed forces, and the arms industry that
supports them
What/Who are the actors in international relations? — - ANSWER-States and non state
actors
STUDY GUIDE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Multipolar system - ANSWER-Has 5/6 centers of power, which are not grouped into
alliances
Bipolar System - ANSWER-Has two great centers of power
Hegemony - ANSWER-One state holds most of the power in the international system
- Dominates rules and arrangements
Hegemonic stability theory - ANSWER-
Rationality - ANSWER-Decision makers set goals, evaluate their relative importance,
calculate the costs and benefits of each possible course of action, and then choose the
one with the highest benefits and lowest costs
- As long as they think they are moving towards their goals they are rational
Rational course of action - ANSWER-1. Search for all potential policy options
2. Search for all available info on those options
3. Evaluate the costs and benefits of each option
4. Choose the option that yields the greatest net benefit
Offensive realism - ANSWER-States are seeking to maximize their power;
Defined as the ability to get another actor to do what it otherwise would not have done
Prisoner's dillema - ANSWER-Individual action is better for the individual, but
cooperative actions are better for society
Liberalism - ANSWER-Theories draw on reciprocity or identity principles.
Generally more optimistic than realism about the prospects for peace and cooperation
Liberal institutionalism - ANSWER-- Reciprocity
- Worldwide federation of states
- Respect its principles, remain autonomous, forego some short-term individual gains
- Concedes to realism important assumptions
- Anarchy, states are rational actors
- Institutions - agreed upon norms, rules, practices
, - Formal - treaties, laws, organizations
- Informal - summits, conferences, norms
- Shared norms
- Sovereignty
- Peaceful conflict resolution as first method
Believes that states aren't always looking for conflicts, so cooperation is the most
rational decision.
Complex interdependence - ANSWER-• Multiple channels connect states and societies
• Multiple issues motivate actors
• Variety of actors (pluralism)
• Web of relationships
• Military force not as effective
• Cooperation is a result of complex interdependence
Constructivism - ANSWER-Focuses on the nature of norms, identity, and social
interaction
- State identities are complex and changing and arise from interactions with other states
Economic Structuralism - ANSWER-Sees collaboration as exploitation of the poor
Main actors = classes
Class identity > national identity
Workers are deceived about their interests
Surplus value -- difference between the value of raw material and the value of final
product
Rich get richer, poor are left behind
Marxism - ANSWER-Critique of liberal capitalism
- If wealth is distributed unequally there will be rebellion
Liberal Feminism vs Difference Feminism - ANSWER-Liberal: no difference between
genders
Difference: Women are more peaceful
Imperialism - ANSWER-Countries will try to extend their power by dominating other
countries
Foreign policy - ANSWER-state policy toward international relations
Military-Industrial complex - ANSWER-comprises the policy and monetary relationships
which exist between legislators, national armed forces, and the arms industry that
supports them
What/Who are the actors in international relations? — - ANSWER-States and non state
actors
