Test: Approaches to Study of IR - UGC NET MCQ

Overview of International Relations Systems Theory

• States make up the majority of the units which together form a system of states.
• Systems theories see the relationship between the international system and states as reciprocal.

Key Points

• Kenneth Waltz in his book Theory of International Politics provides a formal analysis of the international system and its impact on states.
• In his book The Nerves of Government, Karl Deutsch draws parallels between machines, humans, and social institutions, particularly the political system.
• Morton A. Kaplan's work System and Process in International Politics was one of the first significant contributions to the systems approach in International Relations.
• Kenneth Boulding is a co-founder of general systems theory and authored works like Conflict and Defense: A General Theory and Knowledge in Life and Society.
• C. W. Manning is recognized as a leading figure in the English School tradition of international relations scholarship.

Therefore, C. W. Manning is NOT a proponent of the Systems theory of International Relations.

The Correct Answer and Key Points

• 'B only' is the correct option.
  • It is the principle of giving states recognition by other states:
    • This statement is correct.
    • The doctrine of sovereignty is the fundamental organizing principle of contemporary inter-state relations.
    • It confers a state's recognition by other states and gives a state the right to relate with other countries on an equal footing.
    • The Treaty of Westphalia, signed in 1648, is considered the origin of modern sovereignty.
    • It confirmed that states have no right to interfere in the internal affairs of other states.
    • Westphalian sovereignty is the basis of the international system of states.

Additional Information

• It is the principle of respecting the internal affairs of other states:
  • This statement is not correct.
  • "It is the principle of respecting the internal affairs of other states" is a correct description of the principle of Westphalian sovereignty but does not capture the broader significance of sovereignty in contemporary inter-state relations.
• It is the principle of establishing the international system of states:
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • The Treaty of Westphalia did not establish the international system of states but rather recognized the sovereignty of individual states as the basis of international relations.
• It is the principle of maintaining foreign relations with other states only:
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • Sovereignty means that a government possesses full control over affairs within a territorial or geographical area and is not related to foreign relations only.

Theory Evaluation by Hans J. Morgenthau

• Realism in international relations focuses on the significance of the state, national interest, and power in global politics.

Key Points:

• Morgenthau's influential work "Politics Among Nations" published in 1948 played a vital role in shaping the realism theoretical framework.

• It served as a foundational articulation of the realism theory in the field of international relations.

• This book was widely read by key figures in the American policy-making and foreign relations domain during the Cold War era.

• Hans J. Morgenthau, in his book "Politics Among Nations," argued that theories should be evaluated based on their ability to bring order and meaning to complex real-world phenomena, rather than being judged by abstract principles.

• According to Morgenthau, the assessment of a theory should be empirical and practical, focusing on its capacity to provide structure and understanding to seemingly chaotic events.

• In essence, theories should not be measured against abstract principles but by their effectiveness in organizing and explaining real-world occurrences.

Therefore, Hans J. Morgenthau emphasized that theories should be assessed based on their ability to make sense of complex real-world phenomena.

Additional Information:

• Classical Realist Scholars: Notable figures in classical realism include Arnold Wolfers, George F. Kennan, Robert Strausz-Hupé, Henry Kissinger, and theologian Reinhold Niebuhr.

Understanding the Term 'Security Dilemma'

• John Herz:
  • John Herz coined the term 'Security Dilemma' in his 1950 article "Idealist Internationalism and the Security Dilemma" published in the World Politics journal.
  • The security dilemma concept describes a scenario where a state's actions to enhance its security might inadvertently threaten the security of other states, leading to mutual distrust and potential conflict.
• Robert Jervis:
  • Robert Jervis is a notable scholar in international relations who has extensively studied the security dilemma and its impacts on global politics.
• Herbert Battlefields:
  • Herbert Battlefields is not recognized in the field of international relations or the study of the security dilemma.
• Charles Glaser:
  • Charles Glaser, another respected scholar, has also contributed to the discourse on the security dilemma, particularly in relation to nuclear weapons.

Understanding Kenneth Waltz and Neorealism

• Realism Dominance: Realism emerged as a prominent perspective in studying international affairs post-World War II.

Key Points

• Neorealism Definition: Neorealism is also referred to as structural realism.
• Core Tenets: According to neorealism, the distribution of capabilities and the ordering principle of the international structure dictate its dynamics.
• Roots in Classical Realism: Neorealism is a modernization of the classical realist school represented by figures like E. H. Carr, Hans Morgenthau, George Kennan, and Reinhold Niebuhr.
• Waltz's Contribution: Kenneth Waltz was a key figure in pioneering neorealism, which is also known as structural realism. He first elaborated on this concept in his book "Theory of International Politics" published in 1979.

Therefore, Kenneth Waltz can be classified as a Neo-realist based on his contributions in this field.

Additional Information

• Approach Overview: Neorealism emphasizes power politics, views competition and conflict as enduring elements, and has limited room for cooperation in international relations.
• Historical Context: From the 1960s to the 1990s, neorealism alongside neoliberalism was a prevailing approach in the study of international relations.

The Correct Answer

• The correct answer is that the Assertion (A) is true but the Reason (R) is false.

Key Points

• The concept of security encompasses various aspects, including political, economic, societal, environmental, and military, according to Barry Buzan.
  • This statement is true.
  • Security is about freedom from threat and the ability of States and societies to maintain their identity and integrity against hostile forces.
  • Security's bottom line is survival but also includes concerns about existence conditions.
  • Baldwin mentions the evolving nature of redefining security.
• Walter Lippmann, a prominent scholar in international relations, has identified the multidimensional nature of security, including not only military security but also political, economic, societal, and environmental aspects.
  • This statement is false.
  • Barry Buzan's security theory emphasizes the concept's multidimensional nature, beyond just military aspects.
  • Buzan argues that security is a contested concept with evolving meanings.
  • In his book "People, States and Fear," Buzan identifies political, economic, societal, environmental, and military sectors as key to security.
  • Buzan's theory underscores protecting a country's core values through security.

Therefore, the Assertion is true but the Reason is false.

The correct answer is option 1, Robert W. Cox

• Cox was a prominent scholar in the field of international relations and is known for his critical approach to problem-solving theory.
• He argued that problem-solving theory often fails to address the underlying power structures and social relationships that shape international politics.
• Instead, it accepts these structures as given and seeks to find solutions within them. Cox's work has been influential in the development of critical theory in international relations.

Additional Information

• Option 2, Andrew Linklater, is also a prominent scholar in international relations. He is known for his work on cosmopolitanism and global citizenship. Linklater has argued that the traditional state-centric approach to international relations is inadequate and that we need to develop new forms of global governance that are more inclusive and democratic.
• Option 3, John Maclean, is not a well-known figure in international relations. There are several people with this name, but none of them are prominent scholars in the field.
• Option 4, Mark Hoffman, is also not a well-known figure in international relations. There are several people with this name, but none of them are prominent scholars in the field.

Overall, the correct answer highlights the importance of understanding power structures and social relationships in international politics, rather than simply accepting them as given and seeking to find solutions within them.

Understanding the Mention of 'International Peace' in Directive Principles of State Policy

• The concept of 'International Peace' is included in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

• One of the fundamental principles outlined in this regard is to promote international peace and security.

• It emphasizes the need to maintain just and honorable relations between nations.

• Additionally, it aims to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations.

• The Directive Principles also encourage the settlement of international disputes through arbitration.

Hence, the correct answer choice is Option C, as it aligns with the principles mentioned in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

• Neo-realism aimed to modernize classical realism by utilizing contemporary social science methodologies.
• In the 1950s and 1960s, scholars with diverse backgrounds began studying international relations, incorporating new research techniques like game theory and quantitative research.
• Waltz, a prominent figure, critiqued classical realism, drawing inspiration from microeconomics concepts and models.
• According to Waltz, both the market and international relations lack a clear hierarchy, functioning in an anarchical manner.
• States, akin to businesses in a domestic market, strive to survive through competition in an environment where self-help is prevalent.
• The anarchic nature of international relations leads to governments exhibiting similar behaviors.

Therefore, the statement "States are always engaged in the process of monopoly capitalism" is NOT a core issue in the neo-realist theory of International relations.

• Realist Approach: Realism is an approach in international relations that is based on assumptions around State-centrism, Anarchy, Rationality, and Power. It can be further categorized into Classical Realism, Neo-Realism, and Neo-Classical Realism. Prominent classical realists include Hans Morgenthau, Reinhold Niebuhr, Raymond Aron, and George Kennan. For instance, Hans Morgenthau's significant work was 'Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace.'
• Decision-Making Approach: This approach focuses on how and why a country engages in international politics through decision-making processes. Important contributors to this approach are Richar Snyder, H. W. Bruck, Burton Sapin, B. Cohen, J. Robinson, and Joseph Frankel.
• Communication Approach: The communication theory views the government as an information-based decision-making system. It emphasizes how communication influences relationships between individuals and states. This approach was developed by Karl Deutsch in his work 'The Nerves of Government: Model of Political Communication and Control.'
• System Approach: The system approach in international relations focuses on the function of the international system and regulating forces, contrasting with traditional methods. Notable figures in this approach include Morton Kaplan, Kenneth Waltz, Keohane and Nye, Alexander Wendt, and Immanuel Wallerstein. Morton A. Kaplan's significant work was 'System and Process in International Politics.'

Hence, the correct matching is A ⇒ (iv), B ⇒ (iii), C ⇒ (ii), D ⇒ (i) based on the explanations provided for each approach.