Exam 2: The Historical Context of Contemporary International Relations

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Imperialism and colonialism are an important part of history in international relations.Two questions thus arise.First,why did states engage in imperialism and colonialism in the first place? Second,what do you think are the lasting effects of colonialism that we see in international relations today? Explain your answer to these two questions,making sure to cite specific examples to back up your argument.

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Imperialism and colonialism were driven by a variety of factors, including economic interests, political power, and cultural superiority. States engaged in imperialism and colonialism in order to expand their territories, gain access to valuable resources, and establish strategic military outposts. Additionally, the belief in the superiority of their own culture and civilization led many European powers to justify their colonization of other regions as a "civilizing mission" to bring progress and development to "backward" societies.

The lasting effects of colonialism are still evident in international relations today. One major impact is the enduring legacy of borders and boundaries that were arbitrarily drawn by colonial powers, often without regard for the ethnic, religious, or tribal divisions within the affected regions. This has led to ongoing conflicts and tensions in many post-colonial states, such as the partition of India and Pakistan, and the division of the Middle East by the Sykes-Picot Agreement.

Furthermore, the economic exploitation and extraction of resources during the colonial period has left many former colonies in a state of underdevelopment and dependency. This has contributed to the global economic inequality and power imbalances that continue to shape international relations. For example, the legacy of colonialism can be seen in the continued economic dominance of former colonial powers and the exploitation of natural resources in Africa by foreign corporations.

In addition, the cultural and social impacts of colonialism are still felt today, as many post-colonial societies continue to grapple with the legacy of colonialism in terms of identity, language, and social hierarchies. For example, the imposition of European languages and education systems has had a lasting impact on the cultural and linguistic diversity of many regions.

In conclusion, the motivations behind imperialism and colonialism were complex and multifaceted, and their lasting effects continue to shape international relations today. The arbitrary borders, economic exploitation, and cultural impacts of colonialism have left a lasting legacy that continues to influence global politics and power dynamics.

________ refers to annexing distant territory and its inhabitants to an empire,and ________ refers to the settling of people from a home country among indigenous peoples of a distant territory.

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A

Which of the following statements is true of U.S.and Soviet involvement in the Middle East during the Cold War?

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B

During the Cold War,the United States and the Soviet Union supported opposing groups in wars in Africa,Asia,and Latin America.

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Following the defeat of Napoleon in 1815,Europe's five major powers

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Which of the following is true of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis?

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The League of Nations was an international organization that was

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Why do you think populism has arisen in the mid-2010s,and what do you think are the most important effects of its rise? Do you think these effects will be a long-lasting feature of international relations or are they likely to subside quickly? Why?

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The Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I

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In order to keep the balance of power in Europe following German unification,the European great powers

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Which of the following strategic policies did the United States adopt vis-à-vis the Soviet Union during the Cold War?

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In addition to Germany,Japan and Italy also played a major role in the breakdown of interstate order in the 1930s.

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The 1648 Treaties of Westphalia are important because they marked the rise of religious authority uniting Europe.

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________ is a group's identification with their common history,language,customs,and practices.

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Why is 1648,marked by the creation of the Treaties of Westphalia,a seminal year for scholars of international relations?

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Despite the fact that U.S.President Woodrow Wilson had been the principal architect of the League of Nations,the United States refused to join.

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The concept of legitimacy,which emerged in the aftermath of the American and French revolutions,implies that political power ultimately rests with

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Two principles that rose out of the American and French Revolutions and provided the foundation for politics in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries are

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Although the Cold War did not involve direct military conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union,it can be characterized as a period during which

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What are the most important reasons for the relative peace that characterized nineteenth-century Europe? Why do you consider these particular reasons to be most important? In light of your answer,do you think any of the principles of nineteenth-century European politics are applicable to contemporary international relations? Why or why not?

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