midterm two IR practice questions

What is a limited war? A limited war is a conflict fought for objectives short of a state's survival, such as control over territory or resources. Example: The Falklands/Malvinas War (1982) was limited for both Argentina and the UK.

What is a total war? A total war is fought for a state's survival and involves full mobilization of society. Example: World War II was total for Nazi Germany, ending with the regime’s collapse.

Define strategy and tactics in war with an example. Strategy is the long-term plan to achieve political goals in war; tactics are the specific battlefield methods used. Example: In Vietnam, U.S. strategy was containment; tactics included bombing and search-and-destroy. Viet Cong used guerrilla tactics.

Why is anarchy relevant in international relations? Anarchy means no global authority above states, so states must rely on self-help for security. Example: The Cold War arms race showed how states compete in an anarchic system.

Give two examples showing the relevance of geopolitics. 1. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—strategic border importance. 2. China’s South China Sea claims—control of maritime trade routes.

Name the three Bretton Woods institutions. 1. International Monetary Fund (IMF) 2. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) 3. General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)

Name the three traditional approaches to IPE. 1. Mercantilism – economic nationalism 2. Economic Liberalism – free markets 3. Marxism – class struggle and capitalist exploitation Example: U.S.–China trade war reflects mercantilism.

What is intersectionality? Give an example. Intersectionality is how different identities (race, gender, class) intersect to shape experiences. Example: A Latina woman may face both racial and gender discrimination.

Define an international organization. An international organization is a formal institution of states that cooperates on global issues like security, trade, or health. Example: The UN promotes global peace and development.

Name four international organizations. 1. United Nations (UN) 2. World Trade Organization (WTO) 3. World Health Organization (WHO) 4. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Does nationalism make war more likely? Why or why not? Yes, it promotes division and aggression. Example: Serbian nationalism fueled the Yugoslav Wars—ethnic identity justified violence.

Do you agree with Clausewitz’s idea that war is politics by other means? Yes, war often follows failed diplomacy and serves political goals. Example: The U.S. invasion of Iraq aimed at regime change after diplomacy failed.

What does critical security studies critique about traditional security? Traditional views are too narrow—focus only on the state and military. Example: Climate change threatens individuals’ security but is often ignored in traditional approaches.

Should international security focus on individuals or states? Why? Individuals—modern threats affect people directly. Example: COVID-19 showed that protecting people is key to global stability.

Is the anti-globalization movement right to criticize global institutions? Yes, institutions often enforce unfair policies on the Global South. Example: IMF-imposed austerity worsened poverty in developing nations.

How is the global economy gendered, and how has globalization affected it? Women’s labor is undervalued and exploited, especially in low-wage jobs. Example: Bangladeshi garment workers—mostly women—face poor pay and conditions under globalization.

How do theories explain the creation of international organizations? Which is most compelling? Realists: IOs reflect power. Liberals: IOs foster cooperation. Constructivists: IOs based on norms. Marxists: IOs serve capitalist elites. Most compelling: Liberal—e.g., WHO enables cooperation across rival states.

Are international organizations just tools of powerful states? Often, yes—they reflect power dynamics. Example: U.S. veto power in the UN shows how dominant states control outcomes.

How has globalization contributed to and responded to regional integration? Globalization drives integration for competitiveness, and integration promotes globalization. Example: The EU formed to strengthen Europe economically and now fosters global trade.