First partial

Question 1

What is a political issue?

Answer 1

Any question that deals with how power is distributed and how it operates within social organization, and how people think about, and engage in, their communities and the wider world on matters that affect their lives

Question 2

What is power?

Answer 2

The ability to make others do what they would otherwise not do

Question 3

What is politics?

Answer 3

Social science which studies the way corporations, media, citizens, politicians & ideologies interact in the national & global political arenas

Question 4

Which are the three core assumptions of realism?

Answer 4

• Sovereign states are the only actors that matter
• States are unitary and rational
• The international system is anarchic

Question 5

What is sovereignty?

Answer 5

A state’s independent control over its territory & its ability to govern itself

Question 6

Which are the four theories of realism?

Answer 6

• Classical realism
• Structural realism
• Neoclassical realism
• Rise & fall realism

Question 7

What does classical realism argue?

Answer 7

The will to dominate & the desire for more power are rotted in the flawed nature of humanity.
States are the reflection of the people within the state

Question 8

What does structural realism argue?

Answer 8

The quest for power isn’t related to human nature, but the international system.
All states are functionally alike, with different capabilities

Question 9

What does neoclassical realism argue?

Answer 9

Combines classical and structural realism.

Recognizes systemic forces & looks at domestic factors; states often underbalance

Question 10

What does rise & fall realism argue?

Answer 10

The rules and practices of the international system are determined by the wishes of the leading state.
More stability when there is one, big, powerful leader

Question 11

Which are the two types of structural realism?

Answer 11

Offensive & defensive

Question 12

What does defensive structural realism state?

Answer 12

The pursuit of hegemony is foolish.

If a state becomes too powerful, it needs balance.

Question 13

What does offensive structural realism state?

Answer 13

It is rational to pursue hegemony.

Balancing is inefficient

Question 14

What is cooperation?

Answer 14

When actors adjust their behavior to the actual or anticipated preferences of others

Question 15

Which are the four liberal areas of critique against realism?

Answer 15

• States are not unitary
• States are not rational
• Gains are relative
• Military forces are the core of international politics

Question 16

Which are some of the ideals for liberalism?

Answer 16

• Domestic affairs do matter
• Foreign policy is not automatic and depends on internal battles
• Security isn’t always the top priority
• International organizations and law are important
• States should cooperate with each other, for benefit (positive-sum game)
• Bilateral or multilateral negotiations

Question 17

What does Kantian liberalism state?

Answer 17

• A state is not a piece of property - society of men
• Constitutional republic
• Armies should be abolished - competition
• No state should interfere with other state

Question 18

What are the definitive articles for Kantian liberalism?

Answer 18

1. The civil constitution of every state should be republican
2. The law of nations shall be founded on a federation of free states
3. The Law of World citizenship shall be limited to conditions of universal hospitality

Question 19

What does commercial liberalism state?

Answer 19

• Opposes mercantilism
• Trade among states promotes tolerance and cordial relations - leads to peace
• Solution: limit the power of government to impose trade restraints

Question 20

What does the democratic peace theory state?

Answer 20

Democracies do not engage in conflict with other democracies

Question 21

What does neoliberal institutionalism state?

Answer 21

• Evidence of tit-for-tat: do something for me today, I’ll do something for you tomorrow
• States are the key but not the only factors
• States are rational
• Economic gains are a fundamental concern

Question 22

What is hegemony?

Answer 22

Leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others.

Question 23

According to Joan Scott, what is gender?

Answer 23

A constitutive element of social relationships based on perceived differences between the sexes, and gender is a primary way of
signifying relationships of power