Chapter 2 Self-test questions

. What is realism?

Realism is a set of approaches to Security Studies that focuses on states and tries to determine which strategy a state should adopt to achieve security and other goals.

Realism is the broad term that can be applied to any traditional approach to Security Studies.

Realism is a set of approaches to Security Studies that encompasses security threats involving the military.

Realism is defined by the belief that the behaviour of states constructs the international arena, and that this behaviour is established through the internal environment of the state.

. Which of these are characteristics of realist theory?

The international system is anarchic.

States assess one another in terms of their power and capabilities rather than their internal variations.

States are unitary and rational actors; sovereign states will act in a way suited to achieving their goals.

All of the above

. What are the differences between 'greedy state' and 'security seeker' states?

'Greedy' states are those that seek to advance their power through territorial expansion, even when they are already secure in the status quo. 'Security seeker' states are those that only want to be secure in the status quo, although they might get drawn into arms races and war because of structural pressures in the anarchic international system.

'Greedy states' seek territorial expansion as a result of pressures created by the international system. The anarchic nature of the international system makes states insecure, and greedy states seek to rectify this by any means necessary. 'Security seekers' on the other hand are those already secure in the status quo.

There is no difference; the terms are synonymous.

'Security seeker' states are those interested in achieving security in the international system, whilst 'greedy states' are interested only in amassing power, land, and other resources.

. Considering 'offensive' and 'defensive realism', which of these statements is not correct?

Offensive realism defines the international system as an environment in which states seek to achieve security through the acquisition of power.

Defensive realism regards cooperation as the way in which states can achieve security.

Both defensive realism and offensive realism regard power and competition as a means by which security can be achieved for the state.

Offensive realism theorizes that states will pursue hegemony where possible.

. According to Waltz, how can a state achieve security?

By ensuring they have the power to protect themselves from attack, power that is gained either through internal or external balancing

Through the accumulation of territory and other material resources needed to physically defend themselves

By creating an international security environment in which their alliance is fundamentally important to potential aggressors

Through a combination of military and economic measures that secure the state's position as the leader in a competitive international system

. Inefficient balancing or buckpassing by states can lead to what?

An increase in non-traditional security threats

A more cooperative international system

A more competitive international system

An increase in inter-state alliances and military restraint

. What is the significance of anarchy to the realist explanation of international politics?

Anarchy means that the state exists as part of society being indistinguishable from national government and the domestic character of the state.

Anarchy refers to the lack of over-arching power in the international system—there is no controlling power beyond the multiple states. In the absence of such authority, states have their own agenda for achieving security, and can determine their own goals and behaviour.

Anarchy means that there is little continuity in a government's foreign policy over time. Leaders come and go and their foreign policy changes, which is reflective of different preoccupations and ideologies.

Anarchy means that the structure of the international system is distinctive because states have a strong sense that they are part of a larger entity in international politics with overarching interests and goals, making association unlimited and important.

. Which of the following is not an advantage of cooperation between states?

Potential for arms control and unilateral restraint

Improvement of political relationships between states

To appear cooperative is to appear as a 'security seeker', thus encouraging further cooperation from neighbour states

Cooperation between states eradicates the propensity for states to cheat on agreements such as arms control or disarmament deals.

. According to motivational realism, what might inspire the behaviour of so called 'greedy states'?

Human nature is fundamentally greedy.

State desire to spread its ideology

State desire to increase wealth and prosperity

All of the above

. When considering the international system from a realist perspective, which of the following statements concerning the advent of war is true?

War is more likely to occur when a state is losing power, a decline in a state's ability to protect itself from attack, coercion and vulnerability increases its motivation to engage in aggressive behaviour.

War may be more likely to occur in multipolar international systems where, among other reasons, states have the incentive and opportunity to buckpass.

War is more likely when the offence-defence balance of the international system favours offence, thus creating a more competitive environment for states.

All of the above

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