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Mid-Term Topics Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the difference between International Relations and Global Politics?

A

IR is state-centered, while Global Politics includes a wider range of actors. IR focuses on interstate relations, while Global Politics addresses issues that cut across national borders. IR is often more theoretical, while Global Politics tends to be interdisciplinary and policy-oriented.

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2
Q

What is an example of International Relations?

A

International Relations Example: The U.S.-China Trade War, involving tariffs and diplomacy between two nation-states, reflects traditional IR concepts like power competition and economic policy.

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3
Q

What is the scientific approach in political science?

A

A hypothesis, observable behavior, facts that you can prove, part of the Comparative method, objective, objective reality.

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4
Q

What is the role of epistemology in political science?

A

The study of knowledge and how we know what we know. It helps differentiate knowledge from opinions and ensures reliable sourcing.

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5
Q

What is an example of epistemology in political science?

A

The debate between positivism (using data to study politics) and interpretivism (analyzing beliefs and culture) reflects how we define valid political knowledge.

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6
Q

What is the Traditional Approach in political science?

A

Focuses on historical events, philosophy, and normative theory. It emphasizes a descriptive analysis of institutions and unique events. Methods: Qualitative, less focused on empirical data.

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7
Q

What is the Behavioral Approach in political science?

A

It focuses on empirical data and observable political behavior. It emphasizes quantitative methods (ex., statistics, and surveys) The goals identify a pattern and generalizes findings across cases.

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8
Q

What is data?

A

Data is information collected for analysis and decision-making. It can be quantitative (numerical, like poll results) or qualitative (descriptive, like interview responses).

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9
Q

What is concepts in Political Science?

A

Key ideas used to analyze politics, such as power, democracy, sovereignty, legitimacy, and justice, helping to explain political systems and behavior.

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10
Q

What is variables in political science?

A

Factors that can change and be measured, such as voter turnout, political ideology, GDP, or approval ratings, used to analyze political relationships and trends.

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11
Q

What is a hypothesis in political science?

A

A testable statement predicting a relationship between variables, e.g., “Higher education levels increase voter turnout

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12
Q

What are theories in political science?

A

Frameworks that explain political behavior and systems, such as realism, liberalism, Marxism, and constructivism, helping to analyze power, governance, and policies.

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13
Q

What is the difference between operational and conceptual definitions in political science

A

Conceptual definitions explain what something is. While operational definitions explain how it is measured.

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14
Q

Explain feudalism in shaping the state systems.

A

A medieval system where land was exchanged for military service. Power was decentralized, with kings, nobles, and peasants forming a hierarchy.

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15
Q

What is absolute gains?

A

It is the idea that states or actors focus on increasing their own benefits, regardless of how much others gain.

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16
Q

Explain the Holy Roman Empire in shaping the state systems.

A

A fragmented political entity (800-1806) combining feudalism and church influence.

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17
Q

Explain revolutions in shaping the state systems.

A

The French and American Revolutions promoted republicanism, ending feudalism and monarchies, while the Industrial Revolution helped shape modern, centralized nation-states.

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18
Q

What is the impact of The Thirty Years War?

A

There was widespread violence, destruction of cities, and millions of deaths. There was the involvement of major European powers.

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19
Q

What is the impact of the Treaty of Westphalia (1648)?

A
  • Ended the Thirty Years’ War and religious conflicts in Europe.
  • Established state sovereignty, where states control their own territory without outside interference.
  • Reinforced a balance of power in Europe.
  • Led to territorial changes, with Sweden and France gaining land, and the Holy Roman Empire losing power.
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20
Q

What is a nation?

A

Nation: A group of people with shared cultural characteristics, such as language, ethnicity, or history. It is more about identity and community.

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21
Q

What is a state?

A

State: A political entity with defined borders, a government, and sovereignty over its territory. It is a legal and political organization.

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22
Q

What is sovereignty?

A

supreme or absolute authority over a terriority.

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23
Q

How can sovereignty be broken?

A

If a country violates protections that guarantee the safety of its people.

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24
Q

What are 5 of sovereignty’s modern challenges?

A

Globalization – Economic and political interdependence weaken state control.
Supranational Organizations – Institutions like the UN, EU, and WTO influence national policies.
Human Rights & Intervention – International efforts challenge absolute state authority (e.g., humanitarian interventions).
Cyber Threats – Hacking and digital warfare bypass physical borders.
Terrorism & Non-State Actors – Groups like ISIS challenge state control and security.

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25
What is nationalism?
Strong loyalty and identity with one’s nation, often advocating for self-rule and national unity.
26
Explain the roles of nationalism in shaping the state system.
Aligned political borders with cultural identity, fueling nation-state formation and independence movements.
27
Explain the role of the Enlightenment in shaping the state system.
Introduced liberty, democracy, and sovereignty, challenging monarchies and promoting self-rule.
28
Explain the role of the revolution in shaping the state system.
The American and French Revolutions spread popular sovereignty, replacing monarchies with modern states.
29
What is the impact of WWI on global politics?
WWI reshaped global politics by ending empires, creating new states, establishing the League of Nations, increasing U.S. influence, and setting the stage for WWII.
30
What is the impact of WWII on global politics?
It reshaped global politics by igniting the Cold War, establishing the UN, accelerating decolonization, and cementing U.S. and USSR dominance.
31
What is the impact of the Cold War on global politics?
It divided the world into U.S. and Soviet blocs, fueled proxy wars, and led to the formation of global alliances like NATO.
32
What is the significance of the Congress of Vienna?
It restored stability in Europe by redrawing borders, re-establishing monarchies, and creating a balance of power.
33
What is the significance of the Concert of Europe?
It was a diplomatic system that maintained peace, prevented revolutions, and upheld the balance of power in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars.
34
What is the significance of the Treaty of Versailles?
It ended WWI, imposed harsh penalties on Germany, redrew European borders, and established the League of Nations, setting the stage for WWII due to its harsh terms.
35
What is the significance of the Munich Agreement?
It appeased Hitler by allowing him to annex Czechoslovakia, failing to prevent WWII.
36
What is realism?
It focuses on national interests rather than imposing domestic values on other nations. (believes in community)
37
What is liberalism?
Foreign policy should reflect the values of a nation, such as promoting democracy and human rights. (individual rights)
38
What is constructivism?
Is a theory that argues ideas, beliefs, and identities shape state behavior and global politics, rather than just material power.
39
Compare realism, liberalism, and constructivism.
Realism focuses on power and self-interest in an anarchic world; Liberalism emphasizes cooperation, institutions, and democracy; Constructivism highlights the role of ideas, beliefs, and identities in shaping international relations.
40
What is neorealism?
It focuses on the structure of the international system and power distribution as key factors shaping state behavior.
41
What is neoliberalism?
It is an international relations theory that emphasizes the role of international institutions, cooperation, and interdependence in promoting peace and prosperity among states.
42
Explain how neorealism and neoliberalism differ from earlier versions.
Neorealism and neoliberalism focus on systemic structures and institutions, unlike earlier theories emphasizing human nature or state actions.
43
Who is Thucydides when talking about theories of International Relations?
He is considered a foundational figure in realist theory, highlighting power and self-interest in shaping state behavior and conflicts.
44
Who is Machiavelli when talking about theories of International Relations?
He is a key figure in realist theory, emphasizing the role of power, political pragmatism, and ruthlessness in maintaining state security and authority.
45
Who is Hobbes when talking about theories of International Relations?
He is a key realist thinker, viewing international relations as an anarchic system where states act in self-interest for survival.
46
Who is Kant when talking about theories of International Relations?
Kant is a key figure in liberalism, advocating for democratic peace and the idea that international institutions and cooperation can promote global peace and stability.
47
What is power in International Relations?
Power in international relations is a state's ability to influence others and achieve its goals, through military, economic, diplomatic, or soft power.
48
What is the security dilemma in International Relations?
It occurs when one state's actions to increase its security lead others to feel threatened, escalating tensions and potentially causing conflict.
49
What is balance of power in International Relations?
It is a system where states maintain equal power to prevent any one state from dominating, ensuring stability.
50
What is public goods in International Relations?
It is goods that are available to all, and one state's use doesn’t reduce availability to others, like global security or clean air.
51
What is collective actions in International Relations?
It is cooperation among states to achieve common goals, like addressing global security or climate change.
52
What is zero-sum vs. postitive sum?
It means one state's gain is another state's loss, while positive-sum means all parties can benefit, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes.
53
What are relative vs. absolute gains?
Relative gains focus on how one state's gain compares to others, often leading to competition, while absolute gains focus on the overall benefits for all states, encouraging cooperation.
54
What is relative vs. absolute power?
Relative power refers to a state's power in comparison to other states, while absolute power refers to a state's total power without considering others.
55
Explain U.S. foreign policy approaches over time: isolationism vs. engagement
Isolationism is the U.S. policy of avoiding international involvement, while engagement focuses on active participation in global affairs, especially after WWII.`
56
Compare unilateralism and multilateralism with historical and modern examples.
Unilateralism involves acting alone (e.g., U.S. invasion of Iraq, 2003), while multilateralism involves cooperation among multiple states (e.g., Paris Agreement on climate change, 2015).
57
Identify foreign policy tools: diplomacy
Diplomacy is a foreign policy tool that involves negotiations, dialogue, and peaceful relations between states to resolve conflicts, build alliances, and promote national interests.
58
Identify foreign policy tools: military intervention
It is a foreign policy tool where a state uses military force to influence another state’s actions, protect national interests, or respond to threats, such as the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
59
Identify foreign policy tools: economic sanctions
Economic sanctions are a foreign policy tool used to pressure a state by limiting trade, investment, or financial transactions, such as the U.S. sanctions on North Korea to curb its nuclear program.
60
Identify foreign policy tools: Intelligence
Intelligence is a foreign policy tool involving the gathering and analysis of information about foreign states, threats, and events to guide decision-making, such as CIA operations during the Cold War.
61
What is hard power?
Hard power is the use of force or coercion, such as military force or economic sanctions, to influence other states' behavior and achieve national objectives.
62
What is an example of hard power?
An example of hard power is the U.S. military intervention in Iraq (2003), where military force was used to achieve political and strategic goals.
63
What is soft power?
Soft power is the ability to influence other states through attraction and persuasion, rather than coercion, using tools like diplomacy, culture, and values.
64
What is an example of soft power?
An example of soft power is the global influence of American culture through Hollywood films, music, and technology, which promotes U.S. values and ideals worldwide.
65
What is smart power?
Smart power is the combination of hard power and soft power strategies to achieve foreign policy goals, using both force and persuasion in a complementary way.
66
What is an example of smart power?
It is the U.S. approach to Iran during the Obama administration, which combined economic sanctions (hard power) with diplomacy and engagement (soft power), leading to the Iran nuclear deal in 2015.
67
Discuss the role of the hegemon in the international system, hegemonic stability, and the rise and fall of global hegemon.
The hegemon maintains global stability through power, with hegemonic stability theory stating it’s needed for order. Hegemons rise and fall in cycles, as seen with the U.S. post-WWII and the rise of China.
68
Differentiate intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
IGOs are organizations made up of sovereign states (e.g., UN), while NGOs are independent, non-profit groups (e.g., Red Cross).
69
What are the functions of the United Nations?
Maintains international peace and security, promotes human rights, and fosters global cooperation.
70
What are the key bodies of the United Nations?
Security Council The General Assembly is the main deliberation body where all member states have a vote. International Court of Justice settles legal disputes.
71
What is the role of the Security Council
handles peacekeeping and security issues.
72
What are the differences between balance of power and collective security?
Balance of power prevents dominance through equal power and alliances, while collective security involves states defending each other against aggression.
73
What is international law?
It consists of treaties, agreements, and customary practices that regulate state behavior.
74
What are the sources of international law?
The sources of international law include treaties, customary international law, general principles of law, judicial decisions, and scholarly writings.
75
What are the challenges of international law?
Challenges of international law include enforcement issues, sovereignty conflicts, varying state interests, and lack of centralized authority to compel compliance.
76
Compare the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The ICJ settles disputes between states and offers legal advice, while the ICC prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
77
What is the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle
The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle states that if a state fails to protect its population from mass atrocities, the international community must intervene.
78
What is Liberal World Order (LWO)?
It refers to the system of international relations that emerged after WWII, largely shaped bu the US and its allies.
79
Define the historical emergence after WWII in dealing with the Liberal World Order.
It promoted democracy, free markets, and international cooperation through institutions like the UN and WTO.
80
Explain how the U.S.-led system of rules and institutions shaped global politics.
The U.S.-led system shaped global politics by promoting democracy, free markets, and cooperation through institutions like the UN and IMF, ensuring stability and growth.
81
What is the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
It provides funding and technical assistance. It helps countries facing economic crises through loans.
82
What is the World Bank?
It provides funding and technical assistance for development projects in low and middle-income countries. The key focuses are infrastructure, property reduction, education, and healthcare.
83
What is the World Trade Organization (WTO)?
It oversees global trade rules, resolves disputes, and promotes free trade. Its key function is negotiating trade agreements and ensuring fair competition.
84
What is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization?
A military alliance that provides collective defense for member states. "An attack on one NATO member is an attack on all"
85
What are the challenges to the LWO, including the rise of China, populist movements, and BRICS expansion?
Challenges to the Liberal World Order (LWO) include the rise of China, which challenges U.S. influence, populist movements that oppose globalization and multilateralism, and the BRICS expansion, which seeks to reshape global power dynamics and weaken Western dominance.
86
Evaluate whether the liberal world order is declining.
The Liberal World Order (LWO) may be declining due to challenges like the rise of China, populism, and BRICS expansion, which question Western-led institutions and norms.
87
What are the alternative global governance models.
Alternative models include multipolarity, where power is distributed among several centers, and regional governance, with organizations like the EU or ASEAN offering more localized solutions.
88
Evaluate the meaning of governance.
Governance refers to the processes and institutions through which decisions are made and implemented, involving governments, businesses, and civil society to manage public affairs.
89
Compare and contrast democracies and autocracies.
Democracies are systems where power is with the people, allowing elections and participation, while autocracies concentrate power in one or a few, with limited freedoms and no checks on power.
90
What is the concept of democratic backsliding?
Democratic backsliding is the decline of democratic institutions and rights, often through undermining elections and weakening checks on power. Democracies turning into autocracies.
91
Has there been a trend of democratic backsliding over time?
Yes, there has been a trend of democratic backsliding, with declines in freedoms, liberties, and electoral integrity due to populism and authoritarianism.
92
What is globalization?
A broadening, deepening, and acceleration of worldwide connectivity or interconnections.
93
Is globalization a recent phenomenon?
No, globalization has been ongoing for centuries, with recent accelerations in trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
94
What are the causes of globalization?
Globalization is driven by advances in technology, transportation, communication, and economic liberalization.
95
What are the consequences of globalization?
Globalization boosts economic growth and cultural exchange but can cause inequality, job loss, cultural homogenization, and environmental issues.
96
Explain the Bretton Woods system and exchange rates. and how currency rates and stability affect trade.
The Bretton Woods system set fixed exchange rates with currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar to promote economic stability. Currency rates and stability impact trade by affecting costs and predictability, with stable currencies encouraging trade and growth.
97
Differentiate mercantilism from classical economic theories of free trade.
Mercantilism promotes trade surpluses and government intervention, while classical economics supports free trade and minimal government interference, emphasizing comparative advantage.
98
Explain the five barriers to trade
- Tariffs: Taxes on imports, making them more expensive. - Quotas: Limits on the quantity of goods that can be imported. - Subsidies: Government payments to domestic industries to make their products cheaper on the global market. - Currency manipulation: Manipulating a country's currency value to make exports cheaper. - Export controls: Restrictions on certain goods being sold abroad, often for national security reasons.
99
Describe the four WTO's principles and why regional trade agreements are permitted.
- Non-discrimination: Countries must treat all trade partners equally (Most-Favored-Nation and National Treatment principles). - Reciprocity: Countries should provide mutual benefits through trade concessions. - Transparency: Countries must make trade rules and policies clear. - Encouraging fair competition: Aiming to reduce trade-distorting practices.
100
What is the difference between intra-state and interstate civil wars?
Intra-state civil wars occur within one country, while interstate wars are between two or more countries.
101
What are the primary causes of civil wars?
The primary causes of civil wars include ethnic or religious tensions, economic inequality, political repression, competition for resources, and poor governance. These factors can lead to grievances and rebellion against the state.
102
Why do some civil wars last longer than others?
Civil wars last longer when there are strong grievances, external support for combatants, difficult terrain, lack of effective peace processes, or divided societies. These factors prolong fighting and complicate resolution.
103
What is the resource curse?
The resource curse is when resource-rich countries face slower growth, instability, and corruption instead of benefiting from their wealth.
104
How do abundant natural resources impact civils wars?
105

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