Question 1

Which of the following refers to a fundamental international legal principle, now being challenged, that traditionally defined interference by one state in the domestic affairs of another state as illegal?

Accepted Answer

The nonintervention norm is a fundamental international legal principle that traditionally defined interference by one state in the domestic affairs of another state as illegal. This principle is part of the broader concept of sovereignty, which holds that states have the right to govern themselves without external interference.

Question 2

What do weak states engage in when they seek alliance with the strongest power, irrespective of that power's ideology or type of government?

Accepted Answer

Weak states often engage in "bandwagoning" when they seek alliances with the strongest power, regardless of the power's ideology or government type, as a strategy to ensure their security or gain benefits by aligning with a more powerful state.

Question 3

The balance of power is, perhaps, the most well-known theory of international relations. What are its core tenets and why is it desirable?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The balance of power is, perhaps, the...

Question 4

Compare old trends versus the new trends in military spending. How has military spending changed over time? What are the consequences?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare old trends versus the new trends...

Question 5

Power distribution in the world during the height of the Roman Empire can best be described as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Roman Empire was the dominant power in the world during its height, so the power distribution can be best described as unipolarity.

Question 6

The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty seeks to prevent horizontal proliferation of nuclear weapons. Many countries reject the NPT as hypocritical as it denies them the same rights and capabilities that are afforded to the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France. Analyze this argument. How can countries justify denying other countries nuclear weapons while they have no intention of giving up their own?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty seeks to prevent...

Question 7

How are military expenditures and economic growth linked? Some people argue that there is a trade-off between "guns and butter," because military expenditures divert resources away from growth-promoting investments. However, other people claim that military spending stimulates economic growth. Which side of this debate do you support? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How are military expenditures and economic growth...

Question 8

What adjectives would a realist use to describe the characteristics of international alliances?

Accepted Answer

Realists view international alliances as temporary and opportunistic, believing that states form alliances based on immediate self-interest rather than long-term commitments or shared values.

Question 9

Military power is an important characteristic of states from a realist point of view, but states that are apparently weak seem to win a large number of armed conflicts. 
(a)How can we change our definition of military power to reflect this reality? 
(b)Are there other types of power that may be more important in predicting military victories? 
(c)Should states focus primarily on military power in their security decisions? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Military power is an important characteristic of...

Question 10

Which military alliance was created by the United States and Western Europe to deter a Soviet attack?

Accepted Answer

NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was established in 1949 by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union.

Quiz 8: The Pursuit of Power Through Arms and Alliances