Key Theories in International Relations MCQs with Answers
What is the core principle of Realism in International Relations?
A) The belief that global cooperation can eliminate conflict
B) The view that power and national interest drive state behavior
C) The belief that economic factors are central to state relations
D) The view that cultural norms dictate international politics
Which theory emphasizes the role of international institutions and norms in promoting cooperation among states?
A) Realism
B) Liberalism
C) Constructivism
D) Marxism
According to Constructivism, what shapes state behavior in international relations?
A) Economic and military capabilities
B) Historical norms and identities
C) Balance of power and alliances
D) Political ideologies and resources
What is a key aspect of Marxism in International Relations?
A) The focus on the spread of democracy and human rights
B) The belief that power struggles are rooted in class conflicts
C) The idea that states act based on their economic interests
D) The importance of international trade agreements
Which theory suggests that the state is the primary actor in international relations?
A) Feminism
B) Realism
C) Constructivism
D) Postcolonialism
What do Feminist theories in International Relations focus on?
A) The role of economic systems in shaping global politics
B) The historical impact of gender and power inequalities in international relations
C) The influence of military alliances on state behavior
D) The construction of national identities in state behavior
Which theory emphasizes the role of culture, language, and discourse in shaping international relations?
A) Postcolonialism
B) Realism
C) Constructivism
D) Neorealism
What does the theory of Neorealism focus on in international relations?
A) The role of institutions and global cooperation
B) The structure of the international system and the distribution of power
C) The impact of economic systems on global stability
D) The importance of state sovereignty and independence
According to Liberalism, what leads to more peaceful international relations?
A) The creation of a balance of power between states
B) The spread of democratic governance and international institutions
C) The centrality of military deterrence and defense strategies
D) The promotion of nationalistic ideologies
What does Postcolonialism focus on in international relations?
A) The importance of global trade agreements
B) The historical legacy of colonialism and its impact on global inequalities
C) The relationship between military power and international security
D) The role of international economic institutions in shaping state behavior
Which theory views international politics as a struggle between economic classes?
A) Marxism
B) Realism
C) Liberalism
D) Constructivism
What is the central concept in the theory of Neorealism?
A) International cooperation based on mutual benefits
B) The influence of state sovereignty on global politics
C) The structure of the international system and its impact on state behavior
D) The role of culture and identity in international relations
Which of the following is a major criticism of the Realist theory in International Relations?
A) It underestimates the importance of culture and identity in state behavior
B) It neglects the role of international institutions in promoting peace
C) It overemphasizes the possibility of global cooperation
D) It fails to account for the economic interests of states
What is the main focus of the theory of International Political Economy (IPE)?
A) The interaction between economic systems and global political structures
B) The psychological motivations behind state behavior
C) The cultural and social aspects of global interactions
D) The role of military power in international relations
Which theory argues that global politics are shaped by historically constructed social and political realities?
A) Realism
B) Constructivism
C) Neorealism
D) Marxism
What do the theories of World Systems Theory focus on?
A) The importance of multilateral trade agreements
B) The division of the world into core, semi-periphery, and periphery regions based on economic exploitation
C) The role of international law in regulating state behavior
D) The interaction between democratic states and authoritarian regimes
According to Feminist theory in international relations, how is global politics often shaped?
A) By the competitive behavior of states in the international system
B) By the dominance of military power and defense strategies
C) By gender inequalities and the marginalization of women in global decision-making
D) By the balance of power between major states
What does Postmodernism in international relations focus on?
A) The importance of traditional military power in global stability
B) The rejection of grand narratives and fixed truths in understanding global politics
C) The role of economic theories in shaping international relations
D) The promotion of universal democratic values
Which theory argues that power is not just a material force but also involves social and ideological elements?
A) Realism
B) Marxism
C) Constructivism
D) Neorealism
Which of the following is a core assumption of Neorealism?
A) The possibility of world peace through economic cooperation
B) International relations are structured by a system of anarchy and the distribution of power
C) States will always act in a cooperative manner to promote mutual interests
D) International institutions are the most important actors in global politics
According to the theory of International Political Economy (IPE), what is the main cause of inequality in global politics?
A) The interaction between cultural identities
B) The structure of the international economic system and global capitalism
C) The nature of international law and diplomacy
D) The balance of military power between states
What is one of the central tenets of Liberalism in international relations?
A) States are the only important actors in global politics
B) International relations are shaped by military power and territorial disputes
C) Global cooperation can be achieved through institutions and democratic governance
D) Conflict between states is inevitable due to human nature
What does Constructivism suggest about the nature of state interests?
A) State interests are fixed and determined by material factors
B) State interests are shaped by social interactions and identities
C) State interests are determined solely by economic considerations
D) State interests are determined by international power structures
Which of the following is an example of a core idea in Realism?
A) The belief that international institutions will guarantee global peace
B) The importance of military power in maintaining state security
C) The idea that cooperation among states is inevitable for survival
D) The belief that all states share common values and interests
Which theory is most likely to argue that global inequalities are a result of capitalist exploitation?
A) Feminism
B) Neorealism
C) Marxism
D) Liberalism
What does the theory of World Systems suggest about the structure of the global economy?
A) The world is divided into rich and poor countries, with a clear distinction between core, semi-periphery, and periphery regions
B) Economic power is distributed equally among states in the global system
C) Global trade should be based on equal exchanges between all countries
D) The global economy functions without any hierarchical power dynamics