BPSC (Balochistan Public Service Commission) · BPSC – Lecturer / Assistant Professor Political Science
Realism and Neo-Realism
International Relations Theories
· Political Science
96 MCQs
Session Progress
0 / 0 Solved
Reveal answers to start tracking your session progress!
Showing 81–96 of 96 MCQs
Page 5 / 5
81
Which prominent realist scholar is known for categorizing the causes of war into 'three images' of politics?
Correct Option
Option C
Explanation
In his influential book 'Man, the State, and War', Kenneth Waltz introduced the 'three images' framework to analyze the causes of international conflict. The first image focuses on human nature, the second on the internal structure of states, and the third on the anarchic structure of the international system. This structural realist approach remains a cornerstone of international relations theory.
82
Which of the following scholars is not primarily associated with the development of Bargaining Theory?
Correct Option
Option C
Explanation
Bargaining Theory examines strategic decision-making in negotiations. J. F. Nash, Thomas Schelling, and Roger Fisher are foundational figures in this field. Kenneth Waltz is a central figure in International Relations theory, specifically known for his structural realism (neorealism), which focuses on systemic constraints rather than micro-level bargaining dynamics.
83
According to Hans Morgenthau's realist perspective, what is the fundamental basis of the social and political world?
Correct Option
Option B
Explanation
Hans Morgenthau argued that the social and political world is fundamentally shaped by human nature. He believed that human instincts, particularly the drive for power and self-interest, are immutable characteristics that dictate the behavior of individuals and, by extension, the behavior of states in the international system. This focus on human nature serves as the bedrock of his realist theory, explaining why conflict and power struggles are persistent features of global politics.
84
What is the alternative term used to describe contemporary realism in international relations theory?
Correct Option
Option A
Explanation
Contemporary realism, often associated with the work of Kenneth Waltz, is formally known as Neorealism or Structural Realism. It shifts the focus from human nature, which was the basis of classical realism, to the anarchic structure of the international system as the primary determinant of state behavior. This theoretical evolution remains a cornerstone of modern international relations analysis.
85
What is the primary focus of the systems approach in the study of international politics?
Correct Option
Option C
Explanation
The systems approach in international relations analyzes the global arena as a set of interacting units. While non-state actors are increasingly relevant, the traditional systems approach primarily focuses on states as the core units of interaction, examining how their behaviors and diplomatic relations shape the international structure and maintain or disrupt global order.
86
Evaluate the following assertions regarding political realism: 1. Realism views the international environment as inherently conflictual. 2. Security is the primary concern for realist states. 3. Hans Morgenthau advocates for aggressive policies as essential for national security. Which of these statements are accurate?
Correct Option
Option C
Explanation
Realism posits that the international system is anarchic and competitive, necessitating a focus on national security. Morgenthau's classical realism argues that states must pursue power to ensure their survival, often justifying assertive foreign policy as a defensive necessity. All three statements align with core tenets of realist political theory.
87
Which school of thought posits that 'structural anarchy'—the lack of a central governing authority—is the defining feature of the international system, leading to the security dilemma?
Correct Option
Option C
Explanation
Classical realism, and later structural realism, emphasizes that the international system is anarchic because there is no world government to enforce order. This anarchy forces states to rely on self-help, leading to the security dilemma where one state's efforts to increase its security are perceived as a threat by others, resulting in arms races and instability.
88
Which theoretical framework in international relations utilizes models such as the 'Chicken' game and the 'Prisoner's Dilemma' to analyze strategic interactions?
Correct Option
Option D
Explanation
Game theory is a mathematical framework used to model strategic decision-making where the outcome for each participant depends on the actions of others. In international relations, models like the Prisoner's Dilemma illustrate the difficulty of achieving cooperation in an anarchic system, while the Game of Chicken models high-stakes brinkmanship, such as nuclear standoffs, where neither side wants to back down first.
89
In the context of Hans Morgenthau's realist theory, which two concepts are often cited as exhibiting the greatest internal inconsistency?
Correct Option
Option D
Explanation
Morgenthau's realist theory emphasizes power politics, often neglecting the role of diplomacy and statesmanship in international relations. His focus on power as the primary driver of state behavior clashes with the nuanced approaches of diplomacy and statesmanship, which seek to manage and resolve conflicts through negotiation and cooperation, creating a tension between his power-centric realism and the art of statecraft.
90
Which scholar of International Politics rejected the notion that social science requires an idealistic dimension?
Correct Option
Option C
Explanation
Arnold Wolfers was a prominent realist scholar who emphasized the importance of power and national interest in international relations. Unlike some of his contemporaries who sought to integrate moral or idealistic frameworks into political analysis, Wolfers focused on the structural constraints of the international system and the necessity of power-based statecraft, often distancing his work from purely idealistic interpretations.
91
Who is the author of the influential work 'The Twenty Years' Crisis'?
Correct Option
Option A
Explanation
E.H. Carr published 'The Twenty Years' Crisis' in 1939. This seminal text is a cornerstone of classical realism in international relations. Carr critiques the 'utopian' idealism of the interwar period, arguing that international politics is fundamentally driven by power dynamics rather than abstract moral principles or legalistic frameworks.
92
Match the following political theorists with their seminal works.
Correct Option
Option D
Explanation
This question requires matching authors with their corresponding books. The correct matches are: E. H. Carr with 'The Twenty Year Crisis', R. Keohane with 'From Wealth to Power', J. Mearsheimer with 'The Tragedy of Great Power Politics', and F. Zakaria with 'The Post-American World'. These works are foundational in the study of international relations and global political power dynamics.
93
Which scholar is most associated with the concept of equilibrium within power balance systems?
Correct Option
Option B
Explanation
Morton Kaplan is a prominent figure in international relations theory, particularly known for his systems theory approach. He extensively analyzed the concept of equilibrium in the context of balance of power systems, exploring how international systems maintain stability through specific rules and mechanisms that prevent any single state from achieving total hegemony.
94
Who authored the book 'Global Covenant', published in 2002?
Correct Option
Option A
Explanation
Robert H. Jackson is the author of 'The Global Covenant: Human Conduct in a World of States', published in 2002. The book explores the ethical and political dimensions of international relations, specifically focusing on the role of the state and the norms that govern global interactions. It is a significant contribution to the study of international political theory and the concept of sovereignty.
95
Who is the author of the influential international relations text titled 'Politics Among Nations'?
Correct Option
Option B
Explanation
Hans J. Morgenthau authored 'Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace', first published in 1948. This work is considered a foundational text in the realist school of international relations, emphasizing the concept of power politics and the national interest as the primary drivers of state behavior in the global arena.
96
Who is the author of the influential political work titled 'The Twenty Year's Crisis'?
Correct Option
Option B
Explanation
E. H. Carr published 'The Twenty Year's Crisis' in 1939. This seminal text is a cornerstone of classical realism in international relations. Carr critically analyzed the failure of utopian or idealist approaches during the interwar period, arguing that international politics is fundamentally driven by power dynamics rather than abstract moral principles or legalistic frameworks.