Theories of International Relations MCQs with Answers
Which theory of international relations focuses on the role of power and the inherent conflict between states?
a) Liberalism
b) Constructivism
c) Realism
d) Feminism
Which theory suggests that international relations are shaped by ideas, beliefs, and identities?
a) Marxism
b) Liberalism
c) Constructivism
d) Realism
In which theory is international cooperation seen as difficult due to the anarchic nature of the international system?
a) Liberalism
b) Realism
c) Marxism
d) Feminism
Which of the following best represents a central tenet of liberal theory in international relations?
a) States are the only important actors in international politics.
b) Cooperation and international organizations can mitigate anarchy.
c) Economic inequality drives global conflict.
d) Global peace is impossible due to human nature.
Which theory of international relations emphasizes the role of social class and economic structures in global politics?
a) Feminism
b) Marxism
c) Liberalism
d) Constructivism
What does the “security dilemma” in realism suggest?
a) States will cooperate if they share economic interests.
b) States act to increase their security, which may provoke insecurity in others.
c) States will always seek to dominate weaker states.
d) States are always seeking to form military alliances.
Which theory suggests that the international system is inherently anarchic and conflict-prone?
a) Liberalism
b) Constructivism
c) Realism
d) Marxism
Which of the following is a key concept in feminist theory of international relations?
a) State sovereignty
b) The importance of gender in shaping global politics
c) Economic inequalities between nations
d) The role of military power in world politics
Which approach in international relations focuses on the role of international institutions and laws to promote peace?
a) Realism
b) Liberalism
c) Marxism
d) Constructivism
In the Marxist view of international relations, the global system is primarily characterized by:
a) Political ideology struggles
b) Class-based exploitation and economic inequalities
c) Balance of power dynamics
d) Military conflict between great powers
Which theory is most associated with the idea of “the international system is anarchic”?
a) Realism
b) Liberalism
c) Feminism
d) Marxism
What is the central claim of the “world systems theory” in Marxism?
a) The world economy is capitalist and divided into core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral regions.
b) International relations are determined by the ideas of the ruling class.
c) States cooperate to minimize the risks of war.
d) All states have equal influence in global politics.
Which theory of international relations advocates that institutions and interdependence lead to cooperation among states?
a) Realism
b) Liberalism
c) Constructivism
d) Marxism
Which of the following is an assumption of the liberal theory in international relations?
a) The state is the only important actor in global politics.
b) Global peace can be achieved through cooperation.
c) War is inevitable between capitalist and communist countries.
d) States will always act in their own national interest.
Which theory suggests that international relations are shaped by human nature and that states pursue power to secure their survival?
a) Constructivism
b) Realism
c) Feminism
d) Liberalism
Which of the following is the primary concern of feminist theory in international relations?
a) The redistribution of economic resources
b) The exclusion of women from global political decision-making
c) The survival of the strongest states
d) The role of democracy in international politics
What does the “complex interdependence” theory, associated with liberalism, suggest about global politics?
a) States always act independently in their national interest.
b) Military security is the primary concern of all states.
c) States are interconnected through multiple channels, reducing the likelihood of war.
d) Global institutions always promote peace and stability.
What does “critical theory” in international relations emphasize?
a) The analysis of global politics through a Marxist lens
b) The objective study of international relations through scientific methods
c) The questioning of traditional power structures and ideologies
d) The importance of military power in state relations
Which theory in international relations emphasizes the importance of historical context and social norms?
a) Realism
b) Constructivism
c) Feminism
d) Liberalism
In Marxism, the relationship between the capitalist core and the peripheral countries is described as:
a) Symbiotic
b) Exploitative
c) Equal
d) Cooperative
What does the “democratic peace theory” propose about the relationship between democracies?
a) Democracies are more likely to go to war with each other.
b) Democracies avoid conflict and war with each other.
c) Democracies are economically interdependent.
d) Democracies engage in imperialistic wars more often.
Which of the following would a constructivist view of international relations highlight?
a) The role of material capabilities in shaping state behavior
b) The importance of norms, values, and ideas in shaping international behavior
c) The inevitability of war between states
d) The fixed nature of state interests
Which of the following best describes “neo-realism” in international relations?
a) It suggests that global conflicts are caused by the inherent evil in human nature.
b) It argues that the structure of the international system and not human nature drives state behavior.
c) It emphasizes the role of economic class struggle in international relations.
d) It focuses on the power of international institutions in managing state relations.
Which of the following best defines “offensive realism”?
a) States seek power primarily for self-defense.
b) States seek to dominate other nations and expand their influence.
c) States aim to create peace through cooperative agreements.
d) States focus on economic growth and interdependence.
Which of the following would a liberal theorist most likely support?
a) The dissolution of the United Nations
b) The creation of international law and organizations to promote peace
c) A global arms race to deter war
d) The idea that war is an inevitable part of global politics
Which of the following is a criticism of realism in international relations?
a) It overemphasizes the role of international institutions in promoting peace.
b) It neglects the role of ideas, values, and norms in shaping state behavior.
c) It promotes excessive optimism about international cooperation.
d) It fails to account for the global economic system’s impact on politics.
Which of the following best describes the role of “state sovereignty” in the realist view of international relations?
a) State sovereignty is always respected in international relations.
b) State sovereignty can be compromised if it benefits global cooperation.
c) States are the central actors, and their sovereignty is vital for survival.
d) State sovereignty is not important in the international system.