International Relations Theory Quiz

Answer: Classical Realism

Realism came to dominance in the post World War II period as a response to the failure of classical liberalism and idealism to predict or prevent World War II. The term 'Machtpolitik' (German for 'power politics') is more or less a synonym of realism. Hans Morgenthau is considered the father of classical realism.

A common term in international relations is the 'black box,' which is one way of referring to the state as a unitary actor. That is, its internal characteristics are irrelevant when analyzing its international behavior.

This is one of the core ideas of realism, whether classical or one of the more modern variants.

Answer: Idealism

Idealism in international relations is often referred to as 'Wilsonianism' or 'Wilsonian idealism.' Its origins lie in the philosophy of Immanuel Kant. Idealism as a coherent theory has not enjoyed significant prominence or influence in international relations since before the 1950s.

However, some elements of idealism, most notably the 'democratic peace thesis' (the notion that democracies do not go to war with each other, and thus world peace lies in the spread of democracy) continue to enjoy prominence.

Answer: Marxism

Marxism of course originates in the writing of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Marxism as a prescriptive theory is essentially dead, i.e. few people advocate world wide proletarian revolution as the path to world peace. However, descriptive Marxism is alive and well.

When used descriptively, an analyst will describe situations characterized by capitalistic exploitation and assert that this exploitation is the driving force of international relations. Often such analyses take the form of a critique and do not include suggestions for comprehensive solutions.

Answer: Neoliberalism

As its name implies, neoliberalism grew out of classical liberalism. It differs from classical liberalism in two primary ways: its primary unit of analysis is the state, and the nature of the international system is the primary determinant of state behavior. Neoliberalism is similar to neorealism in its focus on the nature of the international system as the basis for explanation.

This is known as "third image" analysis. Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye are two of the more prominent neoliberal theorists.

Answer: Constructivism

Constructivism emerged in the 1970s and '80s as a critique of neoliberalism and neorealism. The term originates from the idea that state interests are 'constructed' through the operation of norms. Neorealists and neoliberals assume state interests are inherent and universal. Constructivists argue that state interests evolve over time. Thus constructivists agree with the notion that states act to further their interests, they just do not regard those interests as simple or static. Constructivist analyses often emphasize the role of international institutions in shaping norms and interests. Martha Finnemore, Alexander Wendt, and Peter Katzenstein are notable constructivist theorists.

Answer: Dependency Theory

Dependency theory emerged as a response to modernization theory. Whereas the modernizationists suggested that the developing world (Third World) follow the same path of industrialization that the Western powers did, dependency theorists argued that the structure of international trade rendered this impossible.

In other words, the international system forces the developing world to be permanently dependent on the developed world. The theory originated in large part in Latin America, and its practitioners there are often referred to as 'Dependistas.' A number of prescriptive implications of dependency theory include nationalization or subsidization of key industries, limits on foreign ownership, and limits on imports.

Answer: Classical Liberalism

Classical liberalism in international relations grew out of both idealism and the liberal economic theories dating back to Adam Smith. The maxim that 'a rising tide lifts all boats' is the core idea of classical liberalism; that is, international trade makes all nations more prosperous, and in doing so reduces the potential for conflict.

Another way of saying this is that international trade 'increases the opportunity cost of conflict.' In international relations, the term 'liberal' is also an umbrella term used to refer to any theory that focuses on sub-state actors. Namely, arguments about certain governmental structures leading to certain patterns of international behavior are categorized as liberal arguments.

This is what is meant when one refers to the state as a 'pluralistic' actor - its internal characteristics are important in analyzing its international behavior.

Answer: Neorealism

Neorealism grew out of classical realism, and one of the principal differences between the two is that neorealism holds that the nature of the international system, not human nature, is the primary explanatory factor in determining state action. Power, self preservation, and anarchy are the stock-in-trade of both classical and neorealism. Neorealism differs from neoliberalism primarily in terms of the extent to which cooperation is regarded as possible. Neoliberals emphasize cooperation while neorealists emphasize anarchy. Neorealism enjoys wide influence in contemporary international relations theory, especially in the field of international security. Kenneth Waltz, Stephen Walt, and John Mearsheimer are prominent neorealists.

Answer: Post-Modernism

Post-modernism is a theoretical approach to many fields of knowledge. The theory holds that our knowledge of any subject is determined by the manner in which the subject is represented, and our possible actions are determined by our knowledge. For example, if developing states and their populations are represented as childish, immature, or 'uncivilized,' it becomes impossible to regard them as being capable of independence.

This results in the elimination of any foreign policy path that would involve treating those states as sovereign equals to developed, Western states. Analyses of imperialism are common topics in post-modern international theory writing.

The basics of post-modern analysis are the same regardless of the specific subject, and there is no better starting point than the writings of Michel Foucault.

Answer: Modernization Theory

Modernization theory was the original theoretical approach to development in the 'Third World.' The theory came into existence in the 1950s as many former colonies and Commonwealth possessions were gaining autonomy and independence, and the world tried to figure out how to integrate them into the existing system of international trade. Modernization theory is no longer commonly advocated as such, but a number of its concepts live on in contemporary developmental theories. Prescriptive implications of modernization theory included a focus on industrial infrastructure, such as ports and railroads.

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