POLI 330; Key Theories, Concepts,
and International Relations
Frameworks Questions and Answers
Opportunity - Answer-The favorable circumstances that allow a state or actor to act in a
particular way in international relations.
Willingness - Answer-The readiness of a state or actor to engage in a specific action or
policy in international relations.
Credible - Answer-The quality of a threat or promise that is believable and likely to be
acted upon.
Natural capabilities - Answer-The inherent resources and attributes of a state that
contribute to its power, such as geography and population.
Synthetic capabilities - Answer-The abilities developed through technology,
organization, and strategy that enhance a state's power.
Balancing - Answer-A strategy where states counterbalance the power of a stronger
state by forming alliances or increasing their own capabilities.
Buckpassing - Answer-A strategy where a state avoids taking action against a threat by
relying on others to do so.
Bipolar, multipolar system - Answer-Bipolarity refers to a system dominated by two
superpowers, while multipolarity involves multiple states with significant power.
Polarity - Answer-The distribution of power in the international system, characterized by
the number of dominant states or poles.
Polarity and likelihood of conflict - Answer-The theory that the structure of polarity in the
international system influences the frequency and nature of conflicts.
Unilateralism - Answer-A foreign policy approach where a state acts independently
without seeking the agreement or cooperation of other states.
Alliances - Answer-Formal agreements between states to cooperate for specific
purposes, often for mutual defense.
Aligned - Answer-States that share common interests or goals and cooperate in their
foreign policies.
, Defense pact - Answer-An agreement between states to provide mutual defense in case
one is attacked.
Non-aggression pact - Answer-An agreement between states not to engage in military
action against each other.
Primacy - Answer-A strategy where a state seeks to maintain its dominant position in
the international system.
Rivalries - Answer-Long-standing conflicts or competitions between states or groups,
often characterized by hostility.
Bargaining - Answer-The process of negotiation between states or actors to reach an
agreement or settlement.
Sanctions - Answer-Economic or political penalties imposed by one state or group of
states on another to influence behavior.
Factors that make it difficult to reach an agreement before a war starts - Answer-Issues
such as misperceptions, lack of credible information, and conflicting interests that hinder
negotiations.
Foreign policy - Answer-A government's strategy in dealing with other nations, including
diplomacy, military action, and economic relations.
Unitary actors - Answer-The assumption in international relations that states act as
single entities with coherent interests.
Strategic culture - Answer-The set of beliefs, values, and norms that shape a state's
foreign policy and security strategies.
Political openness - Answer-The degree to which a government allows public
participation and transparency in political processes.
Private information and reasons why it is difficult to achieve agreement prior to a war -
Answer-The challenges posed by states withholding information or misrepresenting
intentions, complicating negotiations.
Power elite - Answer-A small group of powerful individuals who hold significant
influence over political decisions and policies.
Military industrial complex - Answer-The relationship between a country's military and
the defense industry that supplies it, often influencing policy.
and International Relations
Frameworks Questions and Answers
Opportunity - Answer-The favorable circumstances that allow a state or actor to act in a
particular way in international relations.
Willingness - Answer-The readiness of a state or actor to engage in a specific action or
policy in international relations.
Credible - Answer-The quality of a threat or promise that is believable and likely to be
acted upon.
Natural capabilities - Answer-The inherent resources and attributes of a state that
contribute to its power, such as geography and population.
Synthetic capabilities - Answer-The abilities developed through technology,
organization, and strategy that enhance a state's power.
Balancing - Answer-A strategy where states counterbalance the power of a stronger
state by forming alliances or increasing their own capabilities.
Buckpassing - Answer-A strategy where a state avoids taking action against a threat by
relying on others to do so.
Bipolar, multipolar system - Answer-Bipolarity refers to a system dominated by two
superpowers, while multipolarity involves multiple states with significant power.
Polarity - Answer-The distribution of power in the international system, characterized by
the number of dominant states or poles.
Polarity and likelihood of conflict - Answer-The theory that the structure of polarity in the
international system influences the frequency and nature of conflicts.
Unilateralism - Answer-A foreign policy approach where a state acts independently
without seeking the agreement or cooperation of other states.
Alliances - Answer-Formal agreements between states to cooperate for specific
purposes, often for mutual defense.
Aligned - Answer-States that share common interests or goals and cooperate in their
foreign policies.
, Defense pact - Answer-An agreement between states to provide mutual defense in case
one is attacked.
Non-aggression pact - Answer-An agreement between states not to engage in military
action against each other.
Primacy - Answer-A strategy where a state seeks to maintain its dominant position in
the international system.
Rivalries - Answer-Long-standing conflicts or competitions between states or groups,
often characterized by hostility.
Bargaining - Answer-The process of negotiation between states or actors to reach an
agreement or settlement.
Sanctions - Answer-Economic or political penalties imposed by one state or group of
states on another to influence behavior.
Factors that make it difficult to reach an agreement before a war starts - Answer-Issues
such as misperceptions, lack of credible information, and conflicting interests that hinder
negotiations.
Foreign policy - Answer-A government's strategy in dealing with other nations, including
diplomacy, military action, and economic relations.
Unitary actors - Answer-The assumption in international relations that states act as
single entities with coherent interests.
Strategic culture - Answer-The set of beliefs, values, and norms that shape a state's
foreign policy and security strategies.
Political openness - Answer-The degree to which a government allows public
participation and transparency in political processes.
Private information and reasons why it is difficult to achieve agreement prior to a war -
Answer-The challenges posed by states withholding information or misrepresenting
intentions, complicating negotiations.
Power elite - Answer-A small group of powerful individuals who hold significant
influence over political decisions and policies.
Military industrial complex - Answer-The relationship between a country's military and
the defense industry that supplies it, often influencing policy.
