International Relations Midterm

What is the primary focus of International Relations (IR)?

IR studies interactions among states and other global actors, including patterns of conflict and cooperation.

What is the Pinker argument regarding violence?

The argument states that violence has declined both domestically and internationally over time.

What is the main concern of Anti-Pinkers argument?

Anti-Pinkers argue that nuclear weapons have escalated warfare and that states are agents of violence.

Define 'Realism' in the context of International Relations.

Realism posits that states act primarily in their own self-interest to promote power.

What does 'Liberalism' emphasize in International Relations?

Liberalism emphasizes the possibility of cooperation between states and the importance of international institutions.

What is Constructivism's main premise?

Constructivism asserts that states act on the basis of constructed ideas and norms, such as human rights.

What are the three levels of analysis in International Relations?

1. International system level, 2. State/societal level, 3. Individual level.

What is 'Anarchy' in the context of International Relations?

Anarchy refers to the lack of a central authority in the international system leading to self-help behavior by states.

Who coined the term 'nation-state'?

The term 'nation-state' refers to a political entity characterized by a defined territory and population sharing a common culture.

What is the significance of the Westphalian system?

The Westphalian system established principles of state sovereignty, territorial control, and non-interference in domestic affairs.

Define 'Soft Power'.

Soft power is the ability to influence others through cultural or ideological means rather than through coercion or payment.

What is 'Collective Security'?

Collective security is a security arrangement in which states agree to act together against any aggressor.

Explain the concept of 'Globalization'.

Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and populations across the world.

What role do International Organizations play in global affairs?

International Organizations facilitate cooperation and coordination among states on various issues.

What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

Adopted by the UN in 1948, it outlines fundamental human rights that all people are entitled to.

Define 'Interstate Wars'.

Interstate wars are conflicts between two or more states.

What is the 'Prisoner's Dilemma' in IR?

A situation in which two parties must choose between cooperation and competition, with outcomes affecting both.

What are the challenges to the contemporary state?

Challenges include collective security issues, globalization, transnational movements, and human rights efforts.

Define 'Diplomacy'.

Diplomacy is the practice of conducting negotiations and managing relationships between states.

What did Alfred Thayer Mahan contribute to geopolitics?

Mahan developed a sea-based geopolitical theory arguing that control of ocean routes translates to global power.

What does 'Economic Statecraft' entail?

Economic statecraft refers to the use of economic tools to influence the behavior of other states.

What is 'Neorealism'?

Neorealism, or structural realism, focuses on the influence of the international system's structure on state behavior.

What defines 'National Interest'?

National interest refers to a country's goals and ambitions, including economic, military, and cultural objectives.

Explain 'Balance of Power'.

Balance of power is a theory that states the distribution of military power among nations prevents any one nation from becoming too strong.

What is 'Hegemony'?

Hegemony is the dominance of one state or group over others, often seen in terms of political or economic control.

Define 'Bipolarity' and 'Multipolarity'.

Bipolarity refers to an international system with two dominant states, while multipolarity involves multiple influential states.

What is 'Realpolitik'?

Realpolitik is a pragmatic approach to politics focused on power and practical considerations rather than moral or ideological premises.

What role do 'Transnational Actors' play in International Relations?

Transnational actors, such as NGOs and multinational corporations, influence global politics beyond state boundaries.

What is 'Sovereignty'?

Sovereignty is the authority of a state to govern itself or another state, central to the concept of statehood.

Explain 'Non-State Actors' in International Relations.

Non-state actors are entities that influence international relations but are not affiliated with any specific government.

What is 'Human Security'?

Human security focuses on protecting individuals rather than the state, emphasizing economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and political security.

What is 'Simulated War' in International Relations?

Simulated war refers to the use of exercises and scenarios to predict responses and outcomes in military engagements.

Define 'Peacekeeping'.

Peacekeeping involves the deployment of international personnel to maintain peace and security in conflict zones.

What is the role of 'International Law' in IR?

International law establishes rules and norms governing relations between states and other global actors.

Explain the concept of 'Regionalism'.

Regionalism is the process of countries in a geographic region increasing their political and economic cooperation.

What are 'International Treaties'?

International treaties are formal agreements between countries that are legally binding under international law.

Define 'Security Dilemma'.

The security dilemma is a situation where actions taken by a state to increase its security can, paradoxically, lead to decreased security for all.

What is the significance of 'Humanitarian Intervention'?

Humanitarian intervention refers to military intervention in a country to prevent or stop widespread suffering or human rights violations.

Explain 'Soft Balancing'.

Soft balancing involves indirect efforts to counterbalance a dominant power without resorting to direct military confrontation.

What is a 'Critical Security Studies'?

Critical security studies critique traditional security theories and emphasize broader issues like human rights and social justice in security.

Define 'Cybersecurity' in the context of International Relations.

Cybersecurity is the protection of internet-connected systems from cyberattacks, which have become a major concern in global security.

What is 'Global Governance'?

Global governance is the way international affairs are managed across borders through international cooperation and institutions.

Explain 'Transnational Advocacy Networks'.

Transnational advocacy networks are coalitions of activists and organizations that operate across borders to promote specific causes.

What is meant by 'Foreign Policy'?

Foreign policy is a government's strategy in dealing with other nations, outlining how it interacts and engages with foreign entities.

Define 'Interdependence' in International Relations.

Interdependence is the mutual reliance between states in economic and social dimensions, which can foster cooperation and conflict.

What is the 'World System Theory'?

World system theory posits that economic and political development should be understood within the context of global capitalism and its historical development.

Explain 'Collective Action Problems'.

Collective action problems arise when individuals or entities face challenges in coordinating their efforts to achieve a common goal.

Define 'Realist vs. Liberal Perspectives'.

Realist perspectives focus on power and national interest, while liberal perspectives emphasize cooperation and international institutions.

irredentism

a political principle or policy advocating for the restoration to a country of any territory that was historically or ethnically part of it, often leading to conflicts over borders.

dempsey argument

world is more violent than before

marxism

a theory in international relations that critiques capitalism and advocates for a classless society, emphasizing the role of economic structures in shaping international relations and conflicts.