English "yes it could happen" quiz

Precluded

(v) prevent from happening; make impossible

Annexations

(n) the act of formally adding territory to an existing state or government, often without the consent of the area being annexed.

Conflagration

(n) a large, destructive fire that causes extensive damage to land and property.

Morass

(n) a complicated or confusing situation; a swampy area.

Reparations

(n) compensation given for a wrong or injury, often in the form of payment to those who have suffered losses due to conflict or injustice.

Virulence

(n) the severity or harmfulness of a disease or poison, often referring to the ability to induce disease.

Irredentism

(n) a political principle or policy advocating for the restoration of territory believed to be lost or taken, often based on historic or ethnic claims.

Prudence

(n) careful judgment and thinking before action; cautious

Bellicose

(adj) aggressive and ready to fight

Retrenchment

(n) the reduction of costs or spending in response to economic difficulty.

Tenacious

(adj) very determined, persistent, not giving up easily

Hegemon

(n) a supreme leader

What is the main idea of the article?

Global peace is fragile and war could happen again

Why is optimism dangerous?

It makes people ignore warning signs of conflict

What historical event does Cohen compare today to?

World War 1

What is nationalism?

Strong pride in one’s country that can lead to conflict

How can alliances cause war?

They can pull multiple countries into a conflict

What is militarism?

Building up military strength and readiness for war

Why is national humiliation dangerous?

It can lead to anger and revenge

Is the world stable according to Cohen?

No, it only appears stable

Name one modern global power

United States / China / Russia

What is Cohen’s warning?

History can repeat itself if we ignore the signs

What techniques does Cohen use to build his argument?

Historical comparisons, real-world examples, warnings, and cause-and-effect reasoning.

Do militarism, alliances, and nationalism make the world safer or more dangerous?

They make the world more dangerous by increasing the chances of conflict.

What role does nationalism play in modern conflicts?

It increases tension by making countries prioritize themselves over cooperation.

How are global powers different today compared to pre-WWI?

The U.S. is dominant, China is rising, Russia is assertive, and Europe is less powerful.

How is the role of global powers today similar to pre-WWI?

There is still competition between major powers.

How is today’s world different from pre-WWI in terms of technology?

today has faster communication and more advanced, destructive weapons.

How is today’s world similar to the world before World War I in terms of connectivity and technology?

Both eras are highly connected through trade and communication.