Name the Political Theory Trivia Quiz

Answer: Realism

The base of international relations is the "realist" theory. It says that the world is one of anarchy, and all states do what is in their best interest. The father of realism was Thucydides (from the Peloponnesian War). He wrote on relations between the two states. An example of a modern realist is Machiavelli. Machiavelli was an Italian statesman during the early 16th century who acted an advisor and diplomat throughout Europe, who stressed that the ends always justify the means. Kenneth Waltz wrote neo-realist theories during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Many disagree with this theory, but the world today is still very realist in nature.

Answer: Communism

An idea coined by Karl Marx. Sounds nice, doesn't it? Funny thing- some people think the above quote is in the US Constitution. Many surveys have been done, asking if this line is in the Constitution and an overwhelming majority have said 'yes'. But when broken down, this phrase epitomizes Communism. Each will do what he or she is "meant" to do, and each will consume only what they "need". And of course those needs are defined by the state.

Answer: Liberalism

Another theory of international relations - Liberalism. Unlike realism, Liberalism says that cooperation is possible among nation states, and saying that acting in self-interest will bring about your own demise. Also says that nations need to abide by internationals rules and norms. Liberalists point to the UN, The Hague, WTO, and IMF as symbols of the triumph of liberalism. Do not confuse this theory with the word "liberal", which we use to describe somone's political orientation (left, democrat, etc).

Answer: Globalism

While realists and liberalists look to nation states and international institutions to define relationships between states, globablists look to social class. They will divide the world into the "haves" and "have-nots" and ignore east/west, but rather divide world into north/south - rich countries in the north and poorer countries in the south.

This will create an inherent struggle between rich and poor countries. It is kind of an international spin on Communism. Please note that Globalism and Globalization are 2 totally different ideas. Globalization is a means of development, using free market systems to develop the third world.

Answer: Globalization

Under-developed countries can empower themselves by doing what the industrialized world has done. Free markets have worked in the west, and the rest of the world should aim to mimic that. This is a controversial theory, since the gap between the developed and under-developed world is growing.

Many people strongly protest globalization because it opens up boarders to outside influences, and leaves economies in the control of trans-national corporations. Globalization may very well result in the disappearance of national borders. Only time will tell if this system will work.

Answer: Dependency

Dependency theory states that without the raw materials from the third world, industrialized nations would collapse. Therefore industrialized nations are always inventing ways to exploit the third world. This theory is sometimes called neo-imperialism. Dependency theorists are one of the biggest opponents of free trade and globalization, saying that those 2 systems under-develop the third world and over-develop the industrialized world.

Answer: Liberalism

Again, liberalists point to the UN as the cornerstone of international cooperation because each country is in constant communication with other countries. Realists would disagree, and argue that the UN is simply another tool nation states can (and do) use to promote their own interests.

Answer: Realism

While Liberalism points to the UN as a way for nation states to cooperate, Realists see the UN as a tool used by powerful countries to promote their own agendas. A good example is the USA and USSR during the cold war. The US embarrassed the USSR during the Cuban missile crisis with help from the UN. And the USSR would use the UN to criticize racism in the US.

A current example of this is the situation with Iraq, in that the US needs (or at least prefers) UN approval before launching a war.

Answer: Realism

Since all nation-states act in self-interest, nation-states are also the most important actors in the international arena. To invade or to disarm, to give aid or to withhold aid, are all decisions that rest in the hands of each nation state.

Answer: Realism

Again, to erect a national missile defense system is (on the surface) in the best interest of the country building it. Saying it can be used to preserve the peace by stopping missile attacks. The catch is that other countries will feel pressured to build up their arms once a missile defense system is operative.

This is called a security dilemma. Countries will feel like they have to engage in an arms race to protect themselves, because they will see missile defense as a way for a country to launch ICBMs and not have to worry about the retaliation.

In the end, international relations is a lose-lose situation, because whenever one country does something, another country feels they have to do the same in order to remain competitive. The problem is that "something" is usually weapons.