R5

Question 1

What does Realism emphasise in international relations?

Answer 1

The role of power and self‑interest in shaping state behaviour in an anarchic system.

Question 2

Name two classical thinkers associated with Realism.

Answer 2

Thucydides (Peloponnesian War) and Hobbes (Leviathan).

Question 3

What is the key assumption of Realism about actors in IR?

Answer 3

States are the most important actors.

Question 4

What is the realist view of human nature?

Answer 4

Pessimistic — humans and states act in self‑interest, prioritising survival.

Question 5

What is Liberalism’s critique of Realism?

Answer 5

It rejects over‑emphasis on power politics and argues cooperation is possible through institutions and interdependence.

Question 6

Name two key assumptions of Liberalism.

Answer 6

• Non‑state actors matter (INGOs, IGOs, MNCs). • International law and institutions mitigate anarchy.

Question 7

What is the Liberal view of human nature?

Answer 7

Optimistic — humans and states can cooperate for mutual benefit.

Question 8

What is Democratic Peace Theory?

Answer 8

The idea that democracies rarely fight each other.

Question 9

What is Neo‑realism (Structural Realism)?

Answer 9

A theory focusing on the structure of the international system and distribution of capabilities among states.

The world is anarchic.
States care about survival.
They act rationally and try to balance power (States try to prevent any one state from dominating the system)
How many big powers exist shapes the risk of war or stability.

Question 10

Name two key features of Neo‑realism.

Answer 10

• Anarchic international order. • Balance of power and security dilemma drive behaviour.

Question 11

Who are two key Neo‑realist thinkers?

Answer 11

Kenneth Waltz and John Mearsheimer.

Question 12

What is Neo‑liberalism (Liberal Institutionalism)?

Answer 12

Neoliberalism in IR is a theory that acknowledges anarchy but emphasizes cooperation through institutions, norms, and interdependence.

Question 13

Name two key features of Neo‑liberalism.

Answer 13

• States are interdependent (economic, social, cultural). • Institutions and regimes mitigate the effects of anarchy.

Question 14

Who are two key Neo‑liberalist thinkers?

Answer 14

Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye.

Question 15

Give one example of Neo‑liberalism in practice.

Answer 15

WTO trade regimes or UNSC authorisation of Libya intervention (2011).

Question 16

Mitigating Anarchy through International Institutions how does liberalism interpret this

Answer 16

• Even though the international system is anarchic (no world government), institutions reduce uncertainty and encourage cooperation.
• Examples: UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank

Question 17

What is Regime Theory

Answer 17

An Neo liberal idea
• International regimes = sets of rules, norms, and decision-making procedures.
• They shape how states behave, e.g.:
• Climate change regimes (Paris Agreement)
• Trade regimes (WTO rules)

Question 18

Explain Institutional Design and Reform

Answer 18

• The international system is anarchic, so states might defect or ignore rules.
• Well-designed, legitimate, and inclusive institutions encourage compliance and cooperation, reducing conflict.
• Example:
• WTO → rules accepted by nearly all members, disputes resolved peacefully
• IMF reforms → greater transparency and conditionality for loans