IR Basics

Question 1

Realism and neo-realism

Answer 1

Humankind’s egoistic nature (classical realism) and the absence of a central authority above the state. Highest goal is the survival of the state. Influences how states act, and conflict is dominant theme.

Question 2

Liberalism

Answer 2

Rejection of power politics as the only possible outcome of international relations; it questions security/warfare principles of realism. Mutual benefits and international cooperation.

Question 3

Constructivism

Answer 3

Belief that international politics are shaped by persuasive ideas, collective values, culture, and social identities.

Question 4

Feminism

Answer 4

Increase the access of women to power and authority in foreign affairs.

Question 5

Neo-Marxism

Answer 5

Economics - and not national interests - drive politics. Military action is to protect economic interests.

Question 6

Self-help

Answer 6

Build up military and form military alliances.

Question 7

Rational unitary actors

Answer 7

State presents itself as one.

Question 8

Prisoner’s Dilemma/Security dilemma

Answer 8

You can’t trust another country to seek peace.

Question 9

Kantian Triangle

Answer 9

• Democracy
• International Institutions
• Economic Interdependence

Question 10

Anarchy

Answer 10

No government

Question 11

Relative Gains

Answer 11

Preference for outperforming a partner rather than getting equal, share, or less.

Question 12

Absolute Gains

Answer 12

Preference for collective benefit, without concern about how others are doing.

Question 13

General Assembly

Answer 13

The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN. All 193 Member States of the UN are represented in the General Assembly, making it the only UN body with universal representation.

Question 14

Security Council

Answer 14

The Security Council has primary responsibility, under the UN Charter, for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 Members (5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members). Each Member has one vote.

Question 15

Economic and Social Council

Answer 15

The Economic and Social Council is the principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as implementation of internationally agreed development goals.

Question 16

Trusteeship Council

Answer 16

Provides international supervision for 11 Trust Territories that had been placed under the administration of seven Member States.

Question 17

International Court of Justice

Answer 17

Principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The Court’s role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies.

Question 18

Secretariat

Answer 18

The Secretariat comprises the Secretary-General and tens of thousands of international UN staff members who carry out the day-to-day work of the UN as mandated by the General Assembly and the Organization’s other principal bodies.

Question 19

Differences between the ICJ and ICC

Answer 19

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is a civil court that hears disputes between countries. The ICC is a criminal court that prosecutes individuals.

Question 20

Collective security

Answer 20

An aggressor against any one state is considered an aggressor against all other states, which act together to repel the aggressor.

Question 21

UN Charter

Answer 21

Establishes conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be mantained.

Question 22

What are the three ways international law is enforced?

Answer 22

Collective action, reciprocity, and shame

Question 23

Rome Statute (ICC)

Answer 23

Treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Question 24

UN Peacekeeping

Answer 24

“UN peacekeepers provide security and the political and peacebuilding support to help countries make the difficult, early transition from conflict to peace.
UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:
- Consent of the parties;
- Impartiality (equal treatment);
- Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.”

Question 25

Responsibility to Protect (R2P)

Answer 25

1. The State carries the primary responsibility for the protection of populations from genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.
2. The international community has a responsibility to assist States in fulfilling this responsibility.
3. The international community should use appropriate diplomatic, humanitarian and other peaceful means to protect populations from these crimes. If a State fails to protect its populations or is in fact the perpetrator of crimes, the international community must be prepared to take stronger measures, including the collective use of force through the UN Security Council.