Policy Diffusion

Question 1

What is Galton’s Problem primarily concerned with?

A) The independence of observations in social science research
B) The effectiveness of communication networks
C) The impact of geographical proximity on policy adoption
D) The role of transnational advocacy networks in promoting human rights

Answer 1

A) The independence of observations in social science research

Question 2

Which of the following mechanisms of policy diffusion involves adopting policies based on the success of other jurisdictions?

A) Coercion
B) Learning
C) Competition
D) Symbolic imitation

Answer 2

B) Learning

Question 3

According to Braun and Gilardi, what does the expected utility model of policy change aim to incorporate?

A) Only coercive mechanisms
B) The role of public opinion in shaping policies
C) Various mechanisms of diffusion and their effects on policy choices
D) The historical context of policy adoption

Answer 3

C) Various mechanisms of diffusion and their effects on policy choices

Question 4

Elkink’s research focuses on the diffusion of democracy through which of the following mechanisms?

A) Geographic clustering and citizen-to-citizen communication
B) Economic competition and coercive pressure
C) International treaties and agreements
D) Cultural homogeneity among nations

Answer 4

A) Geographic clustering and citizen-to-citizen communication

Question 5

Which of the following best describes transnational advocacy networks (TANs) as discussed by Murdie and Polizzi?

A) Networks of powerful states dictating policies to weaker states
B) Networks of local and international actors advocating for human rights across borders
C) Informal groups that lack structured organization
D) Networks solely focused on economic development

Answer 5

B) Networks of local and international actors advocating for human rights across borders

Question 6

What is one of the main findings from Elkink’s study regarding the diffusion of democratic regimes?

A) Democracy spreads randomly across the globe
B) Successful democratic transitions often inspire similar movements in neighboring countries
C) Democratic regimes tend to adopt policies independently
D) Citizen communication has no effect on the spread of democratic attitudes

Answer 6

B) Successful democratic transitions often inspire similar movements in neighboring countries

Question 7

Which diffusion mechanism is described as powerful actors applying pressure to adopt specific policies?

A) Common norms
B) Learning
C) Coercion/Conditionality
D) Competitive interdependence

Answer 7

C) Coercion/Conditionality

Question 8

What is the significance of spatial clustering in policy diffusion research?

A) It indicates random policy adoption
B) It reflects the influence of nearby jurisdictions on policy choices
C) It shows that policies are adopted independently of context
D) It emphasizes the role of international organizations

Answer 8

B) It reflects the influence of nearby jurisdictions on policy choices

Question 9

What role do public opinion dynamics play in the diffusion of democracy, according to Elkink?

A) They have no significant impact on democratic transitions
B) They lead to conflicts between states
C) Strong public attitudes can catalyze collective actions such as protests
D) They only influence political outcomes in established democracies

Answer 9

C) Strong public attitudes can catalyze collective actions such as protests

Question 10

In the context of policy diffusion, what does “taken for grantedness” refer to?

A) The gradual acceptance of certain policies as the default option
B) The formal adoption of new policies without evaluation
C) The refusal to adopt popular policies due to public resistance
D) The critical analysis of policies based on past failures

Answer 10

A) The gradual acceptance of certain policies as the default option

Question 11

What is the primary characteristic of the “Coercion/Conditionality” mechanism in policy diffusion?

A) Policies are adopted based on shared norms.
B) Powerful actors pressure others to adopt specific policies.
C) Adoption occurs due to geographical proximity.
D) Policies are implemented based on successful models from other jurisdictions.

Answer 11

B) Powerful actors pressure others to adopt specific policies.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the “Learning” mechanism in policy diffusion?

A) Adoption of policies occurs because they are seen as the standard option.
B) Policies are implemented due to shared values or norms among jurisdictions.
C) Jurisdictions imitate successful policies from others based on observed outcomes.
D) Adoption happens because jurisdictions face similar economic challenges.

Answer 12

C) Jurisdictions imitate successful policies from others based on observed outcomes.

Question 13

In the context of diffusion mechanisms, “Common Norms” refer to:

A) The pressure exerted by powerful states to adopt certain policies.
B) The adoption of policies due to a sense of appropriateness or legitimacy.
C) The similarity of policies adopted by countries facing similar conditions.
D) The influence of competitive interdependence among states.

Answer 13

B) The adoption of policies due to a sense of appropriateness or legitimacy.

Question 14

Which mechanism of diffusion explains why countries might adopt similar policies due to competitive pressures?

A) Conditionality/Coercion
B) Spurious Diffusion
C) Competitive Interdependence
D) Symbolic Imitation

Answer 14

C) Competitive Interdependence

Question 15

“Taken for Grantedness” in the context of diffusion mechanisms refers to:

A) The active promotion of certain policies by powerful actors.
B) The widespread adoption of policies without critical evaluation over time.
C) The imitation of successful policies based on learning.
D) The pressure from international organizations to conform to specific norms.

Answer 15

B) The widespread adoption of policies without critical evaluation over time.

Question 16

What role does “Symbolic Imitation” play in policy diffusion?

A) It encourages countries to adopt policies for functional effectiveness.
B) It leads to the adoption of policies based on their perceived legitimacy or image.
C) It describes the competition between states for economic advantage.
D) It involves direct coercion by powerful states to adopt specific norms.

Answer 16

B) It leads to the adoption of policies based on their perceived legitimacy or image.

Question 17

What role do “Communication Networks” play in the diffusion of democratic norms according to Elkink’s study?

A) They facilitate the exchange of democratic ideas and practices among citizens.
B) They create competition among neighboring countries.
C) They act as a barrier to the spread of democratic attitudes.
D) They ensure the imposition of sanctions on non-democratic regimes.

Answer 17

A) They facilitate the exchange of democratic ideas and practices among citizens.

Question 18

Cascading Revolutions are best described as:

A) A form of coercion used by powerful states.
B) The emergence of common norms based on international treaties.
C) The independent adoption of policies based on similar conditions.
D) Successful democratic transitions in one country that inspire similar movements in neighboring countries.

Answer 18

D) Successful democratic transitions in one country that inspire similar movements in neighboring countries.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes “Cooperative Interdependence” in the context of policy diffusion?

A) A mechanism where states coordinate their actions for mutual benefit.
B) A situation where states compete to outdo one another in policy adoption.
C) The independent adoption of policies based on geographical factors.
D) The influence of common norms on state behavior.

Answer 19

A) A mechanism where states coordinate their actions for mutual benefit.