, TESTBANK FOR International Politics 6th Edition D'Anieri
Important Notes
The file includes the complete test bank, organized chapter by chapter.
A sample of selected pages has been provided for preview.
All available appendices and Excel files (if included in the original resources) are
provided.
We continuously update our files to ensure you receive the latest and most accurate
editions.
New editions are added regularly – stay connected for updates!
✅ Why Buy From Us?
📚 Complete & organized chapter-by-chapter – no missing content, no guessing.
⚡ Instant digital delivery – get your file the moment you pay, no waiting.
📅 Always up to date – we track new editions so you always get the latest version.
💬 Friendly support – real humans ready to help, anytime you need us.
🔒 Safe & secure – thousands of satisfied students trust us every semester.
🛡️Our Guarantees
💰 Money-Back Guarantee: Not satisfied? We offer a full refund – no questions asked.
🔄 Wrong File? No Problem: Contact us and we will replace it immediately with the
correct version, free of charge.
⏰ 24/7 Support: We are always here – reach out anytime and expect a fast response.
Contact Email:
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
1. What is the primary purpose of explanatory theory in international politics?
a. To establish what goals should be pursued in political action.
b. To determine acceptable and unacceptable ways to behave.
c. To describe how the world works and predict outcomes.
d. To define moral and ethical standards for nations.
ANSWER: c
2. What question does normative theory primarily seek to answer?
a. How do international organizations function?
b. What goals should we pursue in political action?
c. When do wars typically occur?
d. How do trade agreements affect economic growth?
ANSWER: b
3. How did the domino theory influence U.S. foreign policy during the Vietnam War?
a. It suggested that economic aid would prevent communist expansion.
b. It predicted that if one state became communist, others would follow.
c. It recommended diplomatic negotiations over military intervention.
d. It emphasized the importance of international law in conflict resolution.
ANSWER: b
4. How should political scientists respond when a single case appears to contradict a theory?
a. Immediately reject the theory as invalid.
b. Ignore the contradictory case and focus on supporting evidence.
c. Compare the theory's overall explanatory power to competing theories.
d. Expand the theory to exclude the contradictory case.
ANSWER: c
5. What does the individual level of analysis focus on when explaining international events?
a. The characteristics or principles of the international system.
b. The nature and type of government systems.
c. The role of bureaucracies and interest groups.
d. Human nature or the characteristics of specific leaders.
ANSWER: d
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 1
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
6. A student notices that gas prices at local stations have increased significantly after tensions rise between major oil-
producing countries. This scenario best illustrates which connection between international politics and daily life?
a. International conflicts can disrupt global supply chains, affecting consumer prices.
b. Local governments exert significant control over international commodity markets.
c. Domestic energy policies are developed and implemented independently of international relations.
d. Consumer behavior in purchasing directly influences international diplomatic relations.
ANSWER: a
7. An analyst states: “Countries with similar economic systems tend to form closer diplomatic relationships because
shared economic interests create incentives for cooperation.” This statement is an example of which type of
theory?
a. Normative theory because it suggests what countries should do when confronted with differences in
economic systems.
b. Explanatory theory because it proposes a causal relationship between economic systems and diplomatic
ties.
c. Prescriptive theory because it recommends specific policy actions to promote democracy in authoritarian
countries.
d. Ethical theory because it addresses moral questions about international relations.
ANSWER: b
8. A government decides to increase foreign aid to developing countries based on the belief that poverty leads to
political instability and terrorism. This policy decision demonstrates which relationship between theory and
practice?
a. Policymakers reject theoretical frameworks in favor of practical experience.
b. Theoretical assumptions about cause and effect relationships guide policy choices.
c. Academic theories have limited influence on real-world decision-making.
d. Policy decisions are made independently of any underlying beliefs about how the world works.
ANSWER: b
9. After World War II, the United States invested heavily in rebuilding Germany and Japan based on the theory that
democratic countries are less likely to be aggressive. This historical example illustrates which aspect of the theory-
policy relationship?
a. Successful policies prove that underlying theories are always correct.
b. Policy makers explicitly tested academic theories through their decisions.
c. Theoretical beliefs about democracy and peace influenced major policy investments.
d. Historical precedent is more important than theoretical considerations in policy making.
ANSWER: c
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 2
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
10. An analyst argues that World War I occurred because of instability due to shifting alliances and the rise of new
great powers. This explanation operates at which level of analysis?
a. Individual level because it focuses on the decisions of specific leaders.
b. State level because it examines the characteristics of particular countries.
c. System level because it emphasizes the structure of international relations.
d. V
ANSWER: c
11. A researcher studying terrorism focuses on how frustration and alienation lead specific people to join terrorist
organizations. This approach primarily uses which level of analysis?
a. Individual level because it examines personal psychological factors.
b. State level because it looks at government responses to terrorism.
c. System level because it considers international terrorist networks.
d. Substate level because it analyzes organizational recruitment processes.
ANSWER: a
12. What is the primary purpose of using levels of analysis in international relations theory?
a. To determine which level is always most important for explaining events.
b. To categorize theories according to where they focus their explanations.
c. To prove that system-level theories are superior to individual-level theories.
d. To eliminate the need for multiple competing theories.
ANSWER: b
13. What does the concept of “purpose” refer to in the study of international politics?
a. The methods used to achieve political objectives.
b. The goals or aims that political actors are trying to achieve.
c. The power resources available to different countries.
d. V
ANSWER: b
14. What theory was the basis for the Bretton Woods system?
a. The theory that military alliances prevent war.
b. The theory that free trade increases prosperity.
c. The theory that international law eliminates conflict.
d. The theory that democracy prevents aggression.
ANSWER: b
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 3
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
15. What are the three main purposes of theory identified in the chapter?
a. Description, analysis, and synthesis.
b. Explanation, prediction, and prescription.
c. Observation, hypothesis, and testing.
d. Collection, organization, and interpretation.
ANSWER: b
16. What does the substate level of analysis examine?
a. Individual characteristics, human nature, and interpersonal relations.
b. The distribution of power in the international system.
c. Bureaucracies, small groups, interest groups, and public opinion.
d. The nature of different types of government systems and their leadership styles.
ANSWER: c
17. A university student finds that their study abroad program has been canceled due to increased security concerns
following terrorist attacks. This situation demonstrates which aspect of how international politics affect daily life?
a. Educational institutions operate independently of international security concerns.
b. International security threats can limit individual opportunities and mobility.
c. Terrorism only affects government officials and military personnel.
d. Study abroad programs are determined solely by academic considerations.
ANSWER: b
18. A policy analyst argues: “Historical data show that countries with nuclear weapons have never been invaded by
foreign powers, suggesting that nuclear proliferation may actually increase global stability.” This statement primarily
represents which type of theory?
a. Normative theory because it makes a moral argument about nuclear weapons.
b. Explanatory theory because it proposes a causal relationship based on observed patterns.
c. Prescriptive theory because it directly recommends specific policy actions.
d. Ethical theory because it addresses the morality of nuclear proliferation.
ANSWER: b
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 4
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
19. A diplomat states: “The international community has a clear obligation to intervene when governments commit
genocide against their own people, regardless of sovereignty concerns.” This statement is an example of which type
of theory?
a. Explanatory theory because it explains why interventions occur.
b. Normative theory because it makes a moral argument about what should be done.
c. Predictive theory because it forecasts future international behavior.
d. Descriptive theory because it describes current international practices.
ANSWER: b
20. A government decides to negotiate a climate agreement with other countries based on the belief that environmental
problems require coordinated international responses. This policy approach reflects which theoretical assumption?
a. Individual countries can solve global environmental problems independently.
b. Collective action is necessary to address transnational challenges.
c. Environmental issues are primarily domestic political matters.
d. Economic growth is more important than environmental protection.
ANSWER: b
21. A country's decision to increase military spending in response to a neighboring country's arms buildup reflects
which theoretical assumption about international relations?
a. Military strength deters potential aggression and maintains security.
b. Arms races tend to lead to peaceful resolution of conflicts.
c. Economic development is more important than military capability.
d. International law deters all forms of military conflict.
ANSWER: a
22. A researcher studying the effectiveness of economic sanctions finds that they succeed in changing target countries'
behavior in 30% of cases. How should this finding be interpreted in the context of theory evaluation?
a. Economic sanctions should be completely abandoned because they fail 70% of the time.
b. The 30% success rate should be compared to the effectiveness of alternative policy tools.
c. Any success rate below 50% proves that the underlying theory is false.
d. The study should be rejected because it doesn't show 100% effectiveness.
ANSWER: b
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 5
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
23. What type of concerns does normative theory address?
a. Statistical patterns and correlations in international data.
b. Moral and ethical concerns about what goals should be pursued.
c. Technical and ethical questions about research methodology.
d. Historical descriptions and narrative depictions of past international events.
ANSWER: b
24. What was the primary theoretical assumption behind the League of Nations after World War I?
a. Military alliances prevent international conflicts.
b. The absence of international law was a major cause of war.
c. Economic competition leads to military aggression.
d. Democratic governments are naturally peaceful.
ANSWER: b
25. What is the first step in the general model of political science research presented in the chapter?
a. Collect data from multiple sources.
b. Articulate a clearly defined question.
c. Choose an appropriate research method.
d. Identify potential funding sources.
ANSWER: b
26. Explain how international trade policies can affect the prices of goods that consumers purchase in their daily lives.
ANSWER: International trade policies such as tariffs and trade agreements directly influence the cost of imported
goods. When governments impose tariffs on foreign products, these additional costs are typically
passed on to consumers through higher prices. Conversely, free trade agreements that reduce barriers
can lower prices by increasing competition and reducing import costs. This means that political
decisions made at the international level have immediate effects on what people pay for everyday items
like food, clothing, electronics, and gasoline.
27. Describe the five different types of power discussed in the chapter and provide an example of each.
ANSWER: The five types of power are: (1) Coercion—using force or threats, such as military action or economic
sanctions; (2) Institutional power—authority based on organizational rules, like UN Security Council
voting procedures; (3) Soft power—influence through prestige and persuasion, such as having others
imitate one's political model; (4) Structural power—unquestioned arrangements that benefit certain
actors, like the belief that large banks are “too big to fail”; and (5) Collaborative power—additional
capabilities created when actors work together, such as military alliances or joint scientific research.
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 6
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
28. Compare and contrast explanatory theory and normative theory in international relations.
ANSWER: Explanatory theory seeks to understand how the world works by identifying causal relationships and
explaining why certain events occur. It asks questions like “How does the world work?” and “What
causes what?” Normative theory, in contrast, addresses what should be done by establishing proper
goals for political action and determining what constitutes acceptable behavior. It asks questions like
“What goals should we pursue?” and “What are acceptable ways to behave?” While explanatory
theory focuses on understanding reality, normative theory focuses on moral and ethical judgments
about what ought to happen.
29. Describe Kenneth Waltz's three levels of analysis for explaining the causes of war.
ANSWER: Waltz identified three levels: (1) Individual-level theories locate the cause of war in individuals, either in
human nature generally or in the characteristics of specific leaders; (2) State-level theories locate the
cause of war in the nature of states, such as certain types of governments being more prone to war or
states having grievances that lead them to seek redress through war; and (3) System-level theories,
which Waltz preferred, locate the causes of war in characteristics of the international system that
extend beyond any single state, such as the distribution of power among states and the number of great
powers in the system.
30. Why might it be difficult for theorists using different levels of analysis to debate each other effectively?
ANSWER: Theorists using different levels of analysis face communication difficulties because they focus on
different aspects of international politics and examine different types of evidence. They ask
fundamentally different questions—for example, an individual-level theorist might ask about a leader's
psychology, while a system-level theorist asks about power distributions. They also look at different
kinds of data and evidence to support their arguments. This makes direct comparison and debate
challenging because they are essentially studying different aspects of the same phenomenon. It's easier
for theorists within the same level to debate each other because they share common assumptions about
where to look for explanations and what kinds of evidence are relevant.
31. Explain what it means that theories “deliberately abstract from reality” and why this is useful.
ANSWER: When theories abstract from reality, they deliberately leave aside much detail to focus on the most
important factors and relationships. This simplification is useful because it helps us deal with extremely
complex phenomena by identifying which parts deserve immediate attention and which are of
secondary importance. Theories help prioritize what matters most for understanding and policy
making. While this means theories don't capture every detail of complex events, they provide a
framework for understanding patterns and making decisions. The abstraction allows us to see the
forest rather than getting lost in the trees, making it possible to develop generalizable insights that can
be applied across different situations.
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 7
, Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
32. Explain how theories about the causes of terrorism lead to different counter-terrorism policies. How should this
affect the policy-making process?
ANSWER: Different theories about terrorism's causes would lead to very different policy approaches. If policy
makers believe terrorism is caused by poverty, they would focus on economic development programs,
job creation, and addressing economic inequality in regions where terrorism emerges. If they believe
terrorism stems from a lack of democracy, they would emphasize promoting democratic institutions,
civil liberties, and political participation. If they think terrorism is caused by religious extremism, they
might focus on counter-radicalization programs and religious education. If they believe it results from
foreign occupation or political grievances, they might emphasize diplomatic solutions and addressing
underlying political conflicts. Each theoretical assumption about causation leads to different resource
allocation and policy priorities.
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 8
Important Notes
The file includes the complete test bank, organized chapter by chapter.
A sample of selected pages has been provided for preview.
All available appendices and Excel files (if included in the original resources) are
provided.
We continuously update our files to ensure you receive the latest and most accurate
editions.
New editions are added regularly – stay connected for updates!
✅ Why Buy From Us?
📚 Complete & organized chapter-by-chapter – no missing content, no guessing.
⚡ Instant digital delivery – get your file the moment you pay, no waiting.
📅 Always up to date – we track new editions so you always get the latest version.
💬 Friendly support – real humans ready to help, anytime you need us.
🔒 Safe & secure – thousands of satisfied students trust us every semester.
🛡️Our Guarantees
💰 Money-Back Guarantee: Not satisfied? We offer a full refund – no questions asked.
🔄 Wrong File? No Problem: Contact us and we will replace it immediately with the
correct version, free of charge.
⏰ 24/7 Support: We are always here – reach out anytime and expect a fast response.
Contact Email:
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
1. What is the primary purpose of explanatory theory in international politics?
a. To establish what goals should be pursued in political action.
b. To determine acceptable and unacceptable ways to behave.
c. To describe how the world works and predict outcomes.
d. To define moral and ethical standards for nations.
ANSWER: c
2. What question does normative theory primarily seek to answer?
a. How do international organizations function?
b. What goals should we pursue in political action?
c. When do wars typically occur?
d. How do trade agreements affect economic growth?
ANSWER: b
3. How did the domino theory influence U.S. foreign policy during the Vietnam War?
a. It suggested that economic aid would prevent communist expansion.
b. It predicted that if one state became communist, others would follow.
c. It recommended diplomatic negotiations over military intervention.
d. It emphasized the importance of international law in conflict resolution.
ANSWER: b
4. How should political scientists respond when a single case appears to contradict a theory?
a. Immediately reject the theory as invalid.
b. Ignore the contradictory case and focus on supporting evidence.
c. Compare the theory's overall explanatory power to competing theories.
d. Expand the theory to exclude the contradictory case.
ANSWER: c
5. What does the individual level of analysis focus on when explaining international events?
a. The characteristics or principles of the international system.
b. The nature and type of government systems.
c. The role of bureaucracies and interest groups.
d. Human nature or the characteristics of specific leaders.
ANSWER: d
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 1
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
6. A student notices that gas prices at local stations have increased significantly after tensions rise between major oil-
producing countries. This scenario best illustrates which connection between international politics and daily life?
a. International conflicts can disrupt global supply chains, affecting consumer prices.
b. Local governments exert significant control over international commodity markets.
c. Domestic energy policies are developed and implemented independently of international relations.
d. Consumer behavior in purchasing directly influences international diplomatic relations.
ANSWER: a
7. An analyst states: “Countries with similar economic systems tend to form closer diplomatic relationships because
shared economic interests create incentives for cooperation.” This statement is an example of which type of
theory?
a. Normative theory because it suggests what countries should do when confronted with differences in
economic systems.
b. Explanatory theory because it proposes a causal relationship between economic systems and diplomatic
ties.
c. Prescriptive theory because it recommends specific policy actions to promote democracy in authoritarian
countries.
d. Ethical theory because it addresses moral questions about international relations.
ANSWER: b
8. A government decides to increase foreign aid to developing countries based on the belief that poverty leads to
political instability and terrorism. This policy decision demonstrates which relationship between theory and
practice?
a. Policymakers reject theoretical frameworks in favor of practical experience.
b. Theoretical assumptions about cause and effect relationships guide policy choices.
c. Academic theories have limited influence on real-world decision-making.
d. Policy decisions are made independently of any underlying beliefs about how the world works.
ANSWER: b
9. After World War II, the United States invested heavily in rebuilding Germany and Japan based on the theory that
democratic countries are less likely to be aggressive. This historical example illustrates which aspect of the theory-
policy relationship?
a. Successful policies prove that underlying theories are always correct.
b. Policy makers explicitly tested academic theories through their decisions.
c. Theoretical beliefs about democracy and peace influenced major policy investments.
d. Historical precedent is more important than theoretical considerations in policy making.
ANSWER: c
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 2
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
10. An analyst argues that World War I occurred because of instability due to shifting alliances and the rise of new
great powers. This explanation operates at which level of analysis?
a. Individual level because it focuses on the decisions of specific leaders.
b. State level because it examines the characteristics of particular countries.
c. System level because it emphasizes the structure of international relations.
d. V
ANSWER: c
11. A researcher studying terrorism focuses on how frustration and alienation lead specific people to join terrorist
organizations. This approach primarily uses which level of analysis?
a. Individual level because it examines personal psychological factors.
b. State level because it looks at government responses to terrorism.
c. System level because it considers international terrorist networks.
d. Substate level because it analyzes organizational recruitment processes.
ANSWER: a
12. What is the primary purpose of using levels of analysis in international relations theory?
a. To determine which level is always most important for explaining events.
b. To categorize theories according to where they focus their explanations.
c. To prove that system-level theories are superior to individual-level theories.
d. To eliminate the need for multiple competing theories.
ANSWER: b
13. What does the concept of “purpose” refer to in the study of international politics?
a. The methods used to achieve political objectives.
b. The goals or aims that political actors are trying to achieve.
c. The power resources available to different countries.
d. V
ANSWER: b
14. What theory was the basis for the Bretton Woods system?
a. The theory that military alliances prevent war.
b. The theory that free trade increases prosperity.
c. The theory that international law eliminates conflict.
d. The theory that democracy prevents aggression.
ANSWER: b
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 3
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
15. What are the three main purposes of theory identified in the chapter?
a. Description, analysis, and synthesis.
b. Explanation, prediction, and prescription.
c. Observation, hypothesis, and testing.
d. Collection, organization, and interpretation.
ANSWER: b
16. What does the substate level of analysis examine?
a. Individual characteristics, human nature, and interpersonal relations.
b. The distribution of power in the international system.
c. Bureaucracies, small groups, interest groups, and public opinion.
d. The nature of different types of government systems and their leadership styles.
ANSWER: c
17. A university student finds that their study abroad program has been canceled due to increased security concerns
following terrorist attacks. This situation demonstrates which aspect of how international politics affect daily life?
a. Educational institutions operate independently of international security concerns.
b. International security threats can limit individual opportunities and mobility.
c. Terrorism only affects government officials and military personnel.
d. Study abroad programs are determined solely by academic considerations.
ANSWER: b
18. A policy analyst argues: “Historical data show that countries with nuclear weapons have never been invaded by
foreign powers, suggesting that nuclear proliferation may actually increase global stability.” This statement primarily
represents which type of theory?
a. Normative theory because it makes a moral argument about nuclear weapons.
b. Explanatory theory because it proposes a causal relationship based on observed patterns.
c. Prescriptive theory because it directly recommends specific policy actions.
d. Ethical theory because it addresses the morality of nuclear proliferation.
ANSWER: b
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 4
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
19. A diplomat states: “The international community has a clear obligation to intervene when governments commit
genocide against their own people, regardless of sovereignty concerns.” This statement is an example of which type
of theory?
a. Explanatory theory because it explains why interventions occur.
b. Normative theory because it makes a moral argument about what should be done.
c. Predictive theory because it forecasts future international behavior.
d. Descriptive theory because it describes current international practices.
ANSWER: b
20. A government decides to negotiate a climate agreement with other countries based on the belief that environmental
problems require coordinated international responses. This policy approach reflects which theoretical assumption?
a. Individual countries can solve global environmental problems independently.
b. Collective action is necessary to address transnational challenges.
c. Environmental issues are primarily domestic political matters.
d. Economic growth is more important than environmental protection.
ANSWER: b
21. A country's decision to increase military spending in response to a neighboring country's arms buildup reflects
which theoretical assumption about international relations?
a. Military strength deters potential aggression and maintains security.
b. Arms races tend to lead to peaceful resolution of conflicts.
c. Economic development is more important than military capability.
d. International law deters all forms of military conflict.
ANSWER: a
22. A researcher studying the effectiveness of economic sanctions finds that they succeed in changing target countries'
behavior in 30% of cases. How should this finding be interpreted in the context of theory evaluation?
a. Economic sanctions should be completely abandoned because they fail 70% of the time.
b. The 30% success rate should be compared to the effectiveness of alternative policy tools.
c. Any success rate below 50% proves that the underlying theory is false.
d. The study should be rejected because it doesn't show 100% effectiveness.
ANSWER: b
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 5
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
23. What type of concerns does normative theory address?
a. Statistical patterns and correlations in international data.
b. Moral and ethical concerns about what goals should be pursued.
c. Technical and ethical questions about research methodology.
d. Historical descriptions and narrative depictions of past international events.
ANSWER: b
24. What was the primary theoretical assumption behind the League of Nations after World War I?
a. Military alliances prevent international conflicts.
b. The absence of international law was a major cause of war.
c. Economic competition leads to military aggression.
d. Democratic governments are naturally peaceful.
ANSWER: b
25. What is the first step in the general model of political science research presented in the chapter?
a. Collect data from multiple sources.
b. Articulate a clearly defined question.
c. Choose an appropriate research method.
d. Identify potential funding sources.
ANSWER: b
26. Explain how international trade policies can affect the prices of goods that consumers purchase in their daily lives.
ANSWER: International trade policies such as tariffs and trade agreements directly influence the cost of imported
goods. When governments impose tariffs on foreign products, these additional costs are typically
passed on to consumers through higher prices. Conversely, free trade agreements that reduce barriers
can lower prices by increasing competition and reducing import costs. This means that political
decisions made at the international level have immediate effects on what people pay for everyday items
like food, clothing, electronics, and gasoline.
27. Describe the five different types of power discussed in the chapter and provide an example of each.
ANSWER: The five types of power are: (1) Coercion—using force or threats, such as military action or economic
sanctions; (2) Institutional power—authority based on organizational rules, like UN Security Council
voting procedures; (3) Soft power—influence through prestige and persuasion, such as having others
imitate one's political model; (4) Structural power—unquestioned arrangements that benefit certain
actors, like the belief that large banks are “too big to fail”; and (5) Collaborative power—additional
capabilities created when actors work together, such as military alliances or joint scientific research.
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 6
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
28. Compare and contrast explanatory theory and normative theory in international relations.
ANSWER: Explanatory theory seeks to understand how the world works by identifying causal relationships and
explaining why certain events occur. It asks questions like “How does the world work?” and “What
causes what?” Normative theory, in contrast, addresses what should be done by establishing proper
goals for political action and determining what constitutes acceptable behavior. It asks questions like
“What goals should we pursue?” and “What are acceptable ways to behave?” While explanatory
theory focuses on understanding reality, normative theory focuses on moral and ethical judgments
about what ought to happen.
29. Describe Kenneth Waltz's three levels of analysis for explaining the causes of war.
ANSWER: Waltz identified three levels: (1) Individual-level theories locate the cause of war in individuals, either in
human nature generally or in the characteristics of specific leaders; (2) State-level theories locate the
cause of war in the nature of states, such as certain types of governments being more prone to war or
states having grievances that lead them to seek redress through war; and (3) System-level theories,
which Waltz preferred, locate the causes of war in characteristics of the international system that
extend beyond any single state, such as the distribution of power among states and the number of great
powers in the system.
30. Why might it be difficult for theorists using different levels of analysis to debate each other effectively?
ANSWER: Theorists using different levels of analysis face communication difficulties because they focus on
different aspects of international politics and examine different types of evidence. They ask
fundamentally different questions—for example, an individual-level theorist might ask about a leader's
psychology, while a system-level theorist asks about power distributions. They also look at different
kinds of data and evidence to support their arguments. This makes direct comparison and debate
challenging because they are essentially studying different aspects of the same phenomenon. It's easier
for theorists within the same level to debate each other because they share common assumptions about
where to look for explanations and what kinds of evidence are relevant.
31. Explain what it means that theories “deliberately abstract from reality” and why this is useful.
ANSWER: When theories abstract from reality, they deliberately leave aside much detail to focus on the most
important factors and relationships. This simplification is useful because it helps us deal with extremely
complex phenomena by identifying which parts deserve immediate attention and which are of
secondary importance. Theories help prioritize what matters most for understanding and policy
making. While this means theories don't capture every detail of complex events, they provide a
framework for understanding patterns and making decisions. The abstraction allows us to see the
forest rather than getting lost in the trees, making it possible to develop generalizable insights that can
be applied across different situations.
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 7
, Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01 - Introduction: Problems and Questions in International Politics
32. Explain how theories about the causes of terrorism lead to different counter-terrorism policies. How should this
affect the policy-making process?
ANSWER: Different theories about terrorism's causes would lead to very different policy approaches. If policy
makers believe terrorism is caused by poverty, they would focus on economic development programs,
job creation, and addressing economic inequality in regions where terrorism emerges. If they believe
terrorism stems from a lack of democracy, they would emphasize promoting democratic institutions,
civil liberties, and political participation. If they think terrorism is caused by religious extremism, they
might focus on counter-radicalization programs and religious education. If they believe it results from
foreign occupation or political grievances, they might emphasize diplomatic solutions and addressing
underlying political conflicts. Each theoretical assumption about causation leads to different resource
allocation and policy priorities.
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 8
