GOV 312L: U.S. Foreign Policy – Review Sheet for First
Midterm Exam 2025 | Terms & Complete Definitions | 100%
Correct -The Ultimate Guide for Yr. (2026/2027)
Module 1: Introduction to International Politics
1. What is the international system?
o The international system is the framework of interactions among states and non-
state actors. It consists of two main components:
Actors: States, international organizations, NGOs, and multinational
corporations.
Structure: The distribution of power, norms, and institutions that shape
interactions.
o Difference between actors and structure: Actors are the entities that make
decisions, while structure is the broader context that influences their behavior.
2. What does it mean to “think systemically”?
o Analyzing how the structure of the international system influences the behavior
of actors, rather than focusing solely on individual actions.
3. What is structure?
o Structure refers to the overarching framework of the international system, such
as anarchy, polarity (unipolar, bipolar, multipolar), and international institutions.
o Examples: The Cold War’s bipolar structure, the UN’s role in global governance. o
Influence on outcomes: Structure constrains or enables actors’ choices, such as
encouraging self-help behaviors under anarchy.
4. How does structure constrain behaviors? o Anarchy forces states to prioritize security
and self-reliance.
o Example: The arms race during the Cold War was driven by the bipolar structure.
5. How does structure constitute actors?
o Structure shapes identities and interests.
o Example: The Cold War defined states as aligned with either the U.S. or the
Soviet Union.
6. Define anarchy and its significance:
o Anarchy is the absence of a central authority in international relations. It leads to
self-help behaviors and security dilemmas.
7. What is the prisoner’s dilemma?
o A game theory model showing how rational actors may fail to cooperate due to
distrust and fear of exploitation.
, o
xRelevance: Illustrates challenges in reaching international agreements, such as
arms control treaties.
8. Prominent actors in the international system:
o States, international organizations, multinational corporations, and NGOs.
o Differentiation: By goals (e.g., profit vs. humanitarian aid), resources, and
influence.
9. Iran Nuclear Accord:
o Supporting factors: Multilateral diplomacy (UN, EU).
o Undermining factors: U.S. domestic politics and regional rivalries.
Module 2: The U.S. Foreign Policy Apparatus and the National Interest
1. What is foreign policy?
o The strategies and actions a state takes in its relations with other states. o
Differences:
Beliefs: Ideologies guiding policy.
Capabilities: Resources available to achieve goals.
Interests: Objectives (e.g., security, economic prosperity). Actions:
Policies implemented.
2. Foreign policy bureaucracy:
o State Department: Diplomacy. o Defense Department: Military operations.
o CIA: Intelligence.
o NSC: Coordinates national security policy.
3. National interest:
o The goals a nation seeks in foreign policy, such as security, economic prosperity,
and ideological influence.
4. Biden Doctrine:
o Focuses on rebuilding alliances, addressing climate change, and countering China
and Russia.
o Threats: Authoritarianism, climate change, global inequality.
5. Trump’s counter-terrorism strategy:
o Emphasized military force and border security, differing from Bush’s focus on
nation-building and democracy promotion.
Module 3: Grand Strategy I and Isolationism
1. What is grand strategy?
A state’s long-term plan to achieve its national interests. It can be influenced by
domestic partisanship.
2. Components of grand strategy:
Midterm Exam 2025 | Terms & Complete Definitions | 100%
Correct -The Ultimate Guide for Yr. (2026/2027)
Module 1: Introduction to International Politics
1. What is the international system?
o The international system is the framework of interactions among states and non-
state actors. It consists of two main components:
Actors: States, international organizations, NGOs, and multinational
corporations.
Structure: The distribution of power, norms, and institutions that shape
interactions.
o Difference between actors and structure: Actors are the entities that make
decisions, while structure is the broader context that influences their behavior.
2. What does it mean to “think systemically”?
o Analyzing how the structure of the international system influences the behavior
of actors, rather than focusing solely on individual actions.
3. What is structure?
o Structure refers to the overarching framework of the international system, such
as anarchy, polarity (unipolar, bipolar, multipolar), and international institutions.
o Examples: The Cold War’s bipolar structure, the UN’s role in global governance. o
Influence on outcomes: Structure constrains or enables actors’ choices, such as
encouraging self-help behaviors under anarchy.
4. How does structure constrain behaviors? o Anarchy forces states to prioritize security
and self-reliance.
o Example: The arms race during the Cold War was driven by the bipolar structure.
5. How does structure constitute actors?
o Structure shapes identities and interests.
o Example: The Cold War defined states as aligned with either the U.S. or the
Soviet Union.
6. Define anarchy and its significance:
o Anarchy is the absence of a central authority in international relations. It leads to
self-help behaviors and security dilemmas.
7. What is the prisoner’s dilemma?
o A game theory model showing how rational actors may fail to cooperate due to
distrust and fear of exploitation.
, o
xRelevance: Illustrates challenges in reaching international agreements, such as
arms control treaties.
8. Prominent actors in the international system:
o States, international organizations, multinational corporations, and NGOs.
o Differentiation: By goals (e.g., profit vs. humanitarian aid), resources, and
influence.
9. Iran Nuclear Accord:
o Supporting factors: Multilateral diplomacy (UN, EU).
o Undermining factors: U.S. domestic politics and regional rivalries.
Module 2: The U.S. Foreign Policy Apparatus and the National Interest
1. What is foreign policy?
o The strategies and actions a state takes in its relations with other states. o
Differences:
Beliefs: Ideologies guiding policy.
Capabilities: Resources available to achieve goals.
Interests: Objectives (e.g., security, economic prosperity). Actions:
Policies implemented.
2. Foreign policy bureaucracy:
o State Department: Diplomacy. o Defense Department: Military operations.
o CIA: Intelligence.
o NSC: Coordinates national security policy.
3. National interest:
o The goals a nation seeks in foreign policy, such as security, economic prosperity,
and ideological influence.
4. Biden Doctrine:
o Focuses on rebuilding alliances, addressing climate change, and countering China
and Russia.
o Threats: Authoritarianism, climate change, global inequality.
5. Trump’s counter-terrorism strategy:
o Emphasized military force and border security, differing from Bush’s focus on
nation-building and democracy promotion.
Module 3: Grand Strategy I and Isolationism
1. What is grand strategy?
A state’s long-term plan to achieve its national interests. It can be influenced by
domestic partisanship.
2. Components of grand strategy:
