Question 1

Which theory argues that the interests of states are not fixed?

Accepted Answer

A)  realism 
B)  liberalism 
C)  constructivism 
D)  behavioralism 
E)  radical theory 
A)  realism 
B)  liberalism 
C)  constructivism 
D)  behavioralism 
E)  radical theory C

Question 2

In the twenty-first century, what accurately describes the methods used by scholars of international relations?

Accepted Answer

A)  Scholars focus only on a combination of the historical and philosophical approaches. 
B)  Since the end of communism in the Soviet Union, scholars no longer have any use for radical theory. 
C)  Scholars agree that the behavioral approach will be the key method used in the future of international relations. 
D)  All scholars agree the postmodern approach is most useful. 
E)  Scholars use a mixed-methods approach. 
A)  Scholars focus only on a combination of the historical and philosophical approaches. 
B)  Since the end of communism in the Soviet Union, scholars no longer have any use for radical theory. 
C)  Scholars agree that the behavioral approach will be the key method used in the future of international relations. 
D)  All scholars agree the postmodern approach is most useful. 
E)  Scholars use a mixed-methods approach. E

Question 3

Some "alternative approach" scholars are dissatisfied with using history, philosophy, and behavioral tools to understand international relations. Weigh the benefits of each of these three approaches against the problems that are highlighted by the alternative approaches and discuss which approach you think is best.

Accepted Answer

The use of history, philosophy, and behavioral tools to understand international relations has been a traditional approach in the field. However, some "alternative approach" scholars are dissatisfied with these methods and have highlighted certain problems with them.

History provides a valuable context for understanding international relations, as it allows us to analyze past events and their impact on current global dynamics. It helps us identify patterns and trends, and learn from past mistakes. However, the problem with relying solely on history is that it can lead to a narrow and deterministic view of international relations, overlooking the complexities and nuances of the present.

Philosophy offers a theoretical framework for understanding international relations, allowing us to explore different ideologies and ethical principles that shape global interactions. It encourages critical thinking and reflection on the underlying values and beliefs that drive international behavior. However, the drawback of a purely philosophical approach is that it may lack empirical evidence and practical applicability, leading to abstract and idealistic analyses.

Behavioral tools, such as psychology and sociology, provide insights into the decision-making processes and behavioral patterns of individuals and groups in international relations. They help us understand the motivations and actions of state and non-state actors, and predict their future behavior. Yet, the limitation of behavioral tools is that they may oversimplify complex political phenomena and overlook structural and systemic factors that influence international relations.

The "alternative approach" scholars argue that these traditional methods fail to capture the dynamic and interconnected nature of contemporary global politics. They advocate for a more interdisciplinary and holistic approach that integrates insights from various disciplines, such as economics, anthropology, and environmental studies, to better understand the complexities of international relations.

In weighing the benefits and problems of each approach, it becomes clear that no single method is sufficient on its own. History, philosophy, and behavioral tools each offer valuable perspectives, but they also have their limitations. Therefore, the best approach to understanding international relations is one that combines these methods in an interdisciplinary and critical manner. By integrating historical context, philosophical insights, and behavioral analysis, we can gain a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of global politics. This approach allows us to appreciate the complexities of international relations while also recognizing the underlying patterns and motivations that shape them.

Question 4

Which of the following is True of constructivists?

Accepted Answer

A)  They use discourse analysis to answer foundational questions in the study of international relations. 
B)  They are satisfied with using history, philosophy, or behavioral tools. 
C)  They argue that identities are fixed and can be studied as such. 
D)  They do not focus on cultural or social factors to explain international phenomenon. 
E)  They do not think ideas shape identities. 
A)  They use discourse analysis to answer foundational questions in the study of international relations. 
B)  They are satisfied with using history, philosophy, or behavioral tools. 
C)  They argue that identities are fixed and can be studied as such. 
D)  They do not focus on cultural or social factors to explain international phenomenon. 
E)  They do not think ideas shape identities.

Question 5

Radical theory argues that individual actions are largely determined by

Accepted Answer

A)  history. 
B)  political parties. 
C)  economic class. 
D)  ideas. 
E)  power. 
A)  history. 
B)  political parties. 
C)  economic class. 
D)  ideas. 
E)  power.

Question 6

The behavioral revolution in American social sciences was spawned primarily by scholars'

Accepted Answer

A)  belief that there are no underlying patterns in international relations. 
B)  desire to philosophically support their views of human nature. 
C)  goal of explaining the state of nature. 
D)  rejection of the scientific method as a tool for the study of international relations. 
E)  belief that more scientific study of international relations would find underlying patterns of behavior. 
A)  belief that there are no underlying patterns in international relations. 
B)  desire to philosophically support their views of human nature. 
C)  goal of explaining the state of nature. 
D)  rejection of the scientific method as a tool for the study of international relations. 
E)  belief that more scientific study of international relations would find underlying patterns of behavior.

Question 7

Understanding history can help us better understand contemporary international events. Yet a perfect comparison can sometimes lead us astray. Choose a contemporary international event and connect it to a historical (it could be a recent historical) event. Discuss: (1) how the historical event could help us better understand the contemporary event, as well as (2) why doing so might lead to problems in understanding and dealing with the new event.

Accepted Answer

One contemporary international event tha

Question 8

The theory most focused on the idea that states define their interests in terms of power is

Accepted Answer

A)  realism. 
B)  liberalism. 
C)  radicalism. 
D)  constructivism. 
E)  historicism. 
A)  realism. 
B)  liberalism. 
C)  radicalism. 
D)  constructivism. 
E)  historicism.

Question 9

The objective of behavioralists is to gather data on human behavior patterns and then to

Accepted Answer

A)  develop theories that cannot be disproved by alternative theorists. 
B)  launch projects that will prove the existence of multiple realities. 
C)  develop and test hypotheses based on these patterns. 
D)  describe the historical context. 
E)  cast normative judgments on world leaders. 
A)  develop theories that cannot be disproved by alternative theorists. 
B)  launch projects that will prove the existence of multiple realities. 
C)  develop and test hypotheses based on these patterns. 
D)  describe the historical context. 
E)  cast normative judgments on world leaders.

Question 10

Philosopher Thomas Hobbes described what he calls the "state of nature." What does this concept illustrate?

Accepted Answer

A)  anarchy 
B)  natural law 
C)  the "general will" 
D)  perpetual peace 
E)  environmentalism 
A)  anarchy 
B)  natural law 
C)  the "general will" 
D)  perpetual peace 
E)  environmentalism

Question 11

Which of the following is True regarding the approaches to the study of international relations?

Accepted Answer

A)  Works in the historical and philosophical tradition come up with the same results as the behavioral approach in the study of human rights. 
B)  Using a multi-method approach can help us answer key questions in international relations. 
C)  The key concepts in the study of international relations are all easy to measure. 
D)  All studies now focus on behavioralism. 
E)  All studies reject the use of behavioralism. 
A)  Works in the historical and philosophical tradition come up with the same results as the behavioral approach in the study of human rights. 
B)  Using a multi-method approach can help us answer key questions in international relations. 
C)  The key concepts in the study of international relations are all easy to measure. 
D)  All studies now focus on behavioralism. 
E)  All studies reject the use of behavioralism.

Question 12

Which of the following is True of behavioralism?

Accepted Answer

A)  It proposes that individuals, but not groups, act in patterned ways. 
B)  It proposes that groups, but not individuals, act in patterned ways. 
C)  It proposes that neither groups nor individuals act in patterned ways. 
D)  It involves generating hypotheses and testing them. 
E)  It is not related to the scientific method. 
A)  It proposes that individuals, but not groups, act in patterned ways. 
B)  It proposes that groups, but not individuals, act in patterned ways. 
C)  It proposes that neither groups nor individuals act in patterned ways. 
D)  It involves generating hypotheses and testing them. 
E)  It is not related to the scientific method.

Question 13

Which of the following studies is an example of the behavioral approach to the study of international relations?

Accepted Answer

A)  the Correlates of War project 
B)  the study of the Greenham Common Peace Camp 
C)  the Republic 
D)  History of the Peloponnesian War 
E)  the Communist Manifesto 
A)  the Correlates of War project 
B)  the study of the Greenham Common Peace Camp 
C)  the Republic 
D)  History of the Peloponnesian War 
E)  the Communist Manifesto

Question 14

Which of the following methods are used in the philosophical approach to international relations?

Accepted Answer

A)  the study of individual cases 
B)  the analysis of core texts 
C)  the use of empirical methods 
D)  the deconstruction of major concepts 
E)  the use of simulations 
A)  the study of individual cases 
B)  the analysis of core texts 
C)  the use of empirical methods 
D)  the deconstruction of major concepts 
E)  the use of simulations

Question 15

Realist and liberal theories argue that the key structures in the international system are material.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Understanding behavior between states is the sole focus of the study of international relations.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

When studying international relations, constructivists

Accepted Answer

A)  criticize the use of discourse analysis and multiple sets of data. 
B)  trace the impact of ideas and cultural factors on shaping identities. 
C)  exclude the influence of social and cultural factors. 
D)  use computer models and simulations. 
E)  seek permanent definitions of key terms. 
A)  criticize the use of discourse analysis and multiple sets of data. 
B)  trace the impact of ideas and cultural factors on shaping identities. 
C)  exclude the influence of social and cultural factors. 
D)  use computer models and simulations. 
E)  seek permanent definitions of key terms.

Question 18

International relations

Accepted Answer

A)  is not an interdisciplinary field. 
B)  is the study of the behavior and interaction of actors. 
C)  only uses concepts from political science. 
D)  does not use concepts from history or anthropology. 
A)  is not an interdisciplinary field. 
B)  is the study of the behavior and interaction of actors. 
C)  only uses concepts from political science. 
D)  does not use concepts from history or anthropology.

Question 19

The absence of international authority in international relations is known as

Accepted Answer

A)  self-preservation. 
B)  the "general will." 
C)  behavioralism. 
D)  a leviathan. 
E)  anarchy. 
A)  self-preservation. 
B)  the "general will." 
C)  behavioralism. 
D)  a leviathan. 
E)  anarchy.

Question 20

Important questions of international relations today can be answered with exclusive reliance on the behavioralist approach.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Which theory argues that the interests of states are not fixed?

In the twenty-first century, what accurately describes the methods used by scholars of international relations?

Which of the following is True of constructivists?

Radical theory argues that individual actions are largely determined by

The behavioral revolution in American social sciences was spawned primarily by scholars'

The theory most focused on the idea that states define their interests in terms of power is

The objective of behavioralists is to gather data on human behavior patterns and then to

Philosopher Thomas Hobbes described what he calls the "state of nature." What does this concept illustrate?

Which of the following is True regarding the approaches to the study of international relations?

Which of the following is True of behavioralism?

Which of the following studies is an example of the behavioral approach to the study of international relations?

Which of the following methods are used in the philosophical approach to international relations?

Realist and liberal theories argue that the key structures in the international system are material.

Understanding behavior between states is the sole focus of the study of international relations.

When studying international relations, constructivists

International relations

The absence of international authority in international relations is known as

Important questions of international relations today can be answered with exclusive reliance on the behavioralist approach.

The Historical Context of Contemporary International Relations

International Relations Theories

The International System

The State

The Individual

Intergovernmental Organizations, International Law, and Nongovernmental Organizations

War and Strife

International Political Economy

Human Rights

Transnational Issues: the Environment, World Health, and Crime

Filters

Exam 1: Approaches to International Relations

Which theory argues that the interests of states are not fixed?

In the twenty-first century, what accurately describes the methods used by scholars of international relations?

Which of the following is True of constructivists?

Radical theory argues that individual actions are largely determined by

The behavioral revolution in American social sciences was spawned primarily by scholars'

The theory most focused on the idea that states define their interests in terms of power is

The objective of behavioralists is to gather data on human behavior patterns and then to

Philosopher Thomas Hobbes described what he calls the "state of nature." What does this concept illustrate?

Which of the following is True regarding the approaches to the study of international relations?

Which of the following is True of behavioralism?

Which of the following studies is an example of the behavioral approach to the study of international relations?

Which of the following methods are used in the philosophical approach to international relations?

Realist and liberal theories argue that the key structures in the international system are material.

Understanding behavior between states is the sole focus of the study of international relations.

When studying international relations, constructivists

International relations

The absence of international authority in international relations is known as

Important questions of international relations today can be answered with exclusive reliance on the behavioralist approach.

The Historical Context of Contemporary International Relations

International Relations Theories

The International System

The State

The Individual

Intergovernmental Organizations, International Law, and Nongovernmental Organizations

War and Strife

International Political Economy

Human Rights

Transnational Issues: the Environment, World Health, and Crime

Filters